Story Structure Outlines Style
Story structure outlines come in all shapes and sizes, reflecting the way different writers brainstorm and organize their ideas. There's no single "right" way, but here's a breakdown of some popular styles:
Plot-Based Approach:
This is a common method, using bullet points or numbered lists to detail key events in each scene.
Think of it as a roadmap of the story's progression.
Character-Driven Approach:
This style focuses on the characters' arcs.
You might outline each character's goals, motivations, and how they change throughout the story.
Beat Sheet:
Inspired by screenplays, a beat sheet is a concise outline hitting major plot points.
It often uses specific terms like "Inciting Incident" or "Midpoint" for these turning points.
Popular beat sheets include Save the Cat! and Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet.
Three-Act Structure:
This classic breakdown divides the story into three acts:
Act 1: Introduction (Exposition, Inciting Incident)
Act 2: Confrontation (Rising Action, Climax)
Act 3: Resolution (Falling Action, Dénouement)
This structure provides a clear framework for plot development.
Other Styles:
Some writers prefer mind maps or concept art to visually represent their story.
There are also genre-specific outlines, like the Hero's Journey for fantasy or the Snowflake Method for epic novels.
Choosing Your Style:
The best style depends on your personal preference and the story itself.
If you're a plotter, a detailed outline might be helpful.
If you're a pantser (someone who writes by the seat of their pants), a looser structure might work better.
Remember:
Outlines are meant to be flexible. Don't be afraid to adapt or rewrite as your story evolves.
The goal is to create a roadmap that keeps you focused and helps you tell the best story possible.
Deep Dives into Specific Outline Styles:
Here's a closer look at some of the outlining methods mentioned earlier:
1. Snowflake Method:
Developed by Randy Ingermanson, this method starts with a one-sentence summary, then expands on it step-by-step.
You gradually add details like character motivations, setting descriptions, and plot points, resulting in a snowflake-like branching structure.
This is a great method for complex novels with intricate plots and world-building.
2. Save the Cat!:
Created by Blake Snyder, this popular beat sheet focuses on specific story beats that keep readers engaged.
It uses terms like "Opening Image," "Thematic Catalyst," and "All is Lost" to mark key turning points in the protagonist's journey.
This method is ideal for writers who want a clear, concise structure that emphasizes emotional impact.
3. Hero's Journey:
This mythological framework, popularized by Joseph Campbell, describes a common pattern found in epic stories across cultures.
It outlines the hero's departure from the ordinary world, their challenges and trials, and their eventual return with newfound knowledge or treasure.
This structure works well for fantasy, science fiction, and even coming-of-age stories.
4. Character Arc Outlines:
This method focuses on the internal journeys of your characters.
You might create separate outlines for each main character, detailing their starting point, goals, desires, conflicts, and how they transform throughout the story.
This approach helps ensure your characters feel well-developed and their actions have clear motivations.
Beyond Structure:
Remember, outlining isn't just about plot points. You can use it to explore themes, brainstorm dialogue, or map out the emotional arc of your story.
Finding Inspiration:
Many writers find it helpful to analyze existing stories they admire. Break down the plot structure, character arcs, or thematic elements of your favorite books or movies.
This can give you a better understanding of how different outlining techniques work in practice.
Experimentation is Key:
The most important thing is to find an outline style that works for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and combine elements from different methods.
The goal is to create a roadmap that sparks creativity and helps you craft a compelling narrative.
Advanced Outlining Techniques:
Once you've grasped the basic outlining styles, you can delve deeper with these advanced techniques:
1. Scene Cards:
Create individual cards or digital note entries for each scene.
Include key details like the setting, characters involved, plot point of the scene, and desired emotional impact.
Arrange and rearrange these cards on a board or digitally to visualize the flow of your story.
2. One-Sentence Summaries:
Craft a single sentence summarizing each scene or chapter.
This helps ensure each element contributes to the overall narrative arc and avoids unnecessary tangents.
3. Conflict Web:
Map out the central conflict of your story and its various contributing factors.
Use a web diagram to connect the protagonist's desires, external obstacles, internal struggles, and how they all intertwine.
4. Stakes Escalation:
Outline how the stakes for your characters increase throughout the story.
What do they stand to lose if they fail? Raise the stakes at crucial junctures to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
5. Emotional Rollercoaster:
Plot the emotional highs and lows experienced by your characters and the reader.
Will a scene be suspenseful, heartwarming, or thought-provoking?
Planning these emotional beats ensures a well-rounded narrative experience.
Software and Apps:
Several software programs and apps cater specifically to outlining and story development.
These tools offer features like scene card management, character profiles, plot point trackers, and storyboarding capabilities.
Remember:
Outlining shouldn't stifle creativity. Use it as a springboard for exploration, not a rigid script.
Allow yourself to deviate from the plan as new ideas emerge during the writing process.
Ultimately, the best outline is the one that unlocks your storytelling potential and helps you bring your vision to life.
Genre-Specific Considerations:
While some outlining methods are versatile, there are also genre-specific approaches that cater to the unique conventions of different fiction categories.
For instance, mysteries might benefit from a "clue outline" tracking the introduction, development, and reveal of key evidence.
Romance novels could use an outline focusing on the emotional beats of the relationship between the protagonists.
Adapting the Outline as You Write:
Outlines are fluid documents, not set in stone. As you delve into the writing process, your characters might surprise you, or plot threads might take unexpected turns.
Be flexible and adapt your outline to reflect the organic development of your story.
Using Outlines for Non-Fiction:
Outlining isn't exclusive to fiction writing. It can be a valuable tool for structuring non-fiction works as well.
You can use outlines to organize arguments, plan research sections, and ensure a logical flow of information in your writing.
Finding Balance Between Planning and Discovery:
Some writers thrive on detailed outlines, while others prefer a more flexible approach. There's no right or wrong answer.
Experiment and find the balance that works best for you.
Outlining can spark creativity and prevent writer's block, but leaving some room for discovery during the writing process can lead to happy accidents and unexpected twists.
Benefits of Outlining:
Increased Clarity and Focus: Outlines help you visualize the big picture and ensure your story has a clear direction.
Improved Cohesion: A well-structured outline prevents plot holes and ensures all elements of your story contribute to the overall narrative.
Enhanced Efficiency: Outlines can save time in the long run by preventing you from getting lost in tangents or struggling with plot inconsistencies.
Stronger Character Development: Outlining allows you to consider your characters' motivations, goals, and arcs throughout the story.
Ultimately, outlining is a valuable tool for writers of all levels. By understanding different outlining techniques and finding the approach that suits your style, you can significantly improve your storytelling process.
Off the Beaten Path: Unconventional Outlining Methods
While traditional outlines provide structure, some writers find inspiration in more creative approaches. Here are a few unconventional outlining methods to spark your imagination:
Visual Outlining: Instead of words, create a visual map of your story. Use mind maps, concept art, or storyboards to depict characters, settings, and plot points. This can be a great way for visual thinkers to brainstorm and see connections.
Soundtrack Outlining: Craft a playlist that reflects the mood, tone, and emotional arc of your story. Each song can represent a scene, character, or turning point. This can be a unique way to tap into the emotional core of your narrative.
Character Interviews: Pretend to interview your characters. Ask them questions about their motivations, fears, and relationships with other characters. Transcribe their "answers" to create a unique character-driven outline.
Freewriting Outlines: Set a timer and write continuously about your story for a set period. Don't worry about grammar or structure; just capture everything that comes to mind. Review your freewriting session to identify key plot points and character details.
Thematic Outlining: Focus on the central themes of your story. Outline how these themes will be introduced, explored, and ultimately resolved throughout the narrative. This can help ensure your story has a deeper meaning beyond just plot.
Remember: There are no hard and fast rules in outlining. Experiment and have fun! The most important thing is to find a method that sparks your creativity and helps you tell your story effectively.
Bonus Tip: Combine Techniques! Don't be afraid to combine elements from different outlining methods to create a hybrid approach that works best for you.
Ultimately, the goal of outlining is to empower your storytelling journey. Choose the methods that unlock your imagination and help you craft a compelling narrative.
Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet is a popular story structure template designed for screenplays, particularly for commercially successful films. It breaks down the classic three-act structure into 15 specific story "beats," which are essentially turning points that move the plot forward.
Here's a quick rundown of the 15 beats:
Act 1
Opening Image (1%) - Introduces the protagonist and their world, establishing the central conflict and tone of the story.
Theme Stated (5%) - Subtly suggests the underlying message or truth the story will explore.
Set-Up (10%) - Provides more details about the protagonist's life, their desires, and what's missing.
Catalyst (10%) - A disruptive event that throws the protagonist's world off balance and sets them on their journey.
Debate (15%) - The protagonist wrestles with the decision of whether to accept the challenge presented by the Catalyst.
Break into Two (25%) - The protagonist commits to the journey and enters a new world.
Act 2
B Story (30%) - Introduces a secondary plot or character arc that intertwines with the main story.
Fun and Games (30-50%) - A series of wins and setbacks as the protagonist pursues their goal.
Midpoint (50%) - A major turning point that raises the stakes and forces the protagonist to adapt their strategy.
Bad Guys Close In (55%) - The antagonist makes a significant move, creating a major obstacle for the protagonist.
All is Lost (75%) - The protagonist experiences their lowest point, facing the possibility of complete failure.
Act 3
Dark Night of the Soul (80%) - The protagonist confronts their despair and contemplates giving up.
Break into Three (85%) - The protagonist regains their resolve and finds a new approach.
Finale (90%) - The protagonist confronts the antagonist in a climactic showdown.
Last Page (95%) - The story's resolution, showing the aftermath of the climax.
Closing Image (100%) - A final scene that mirrors the Opening Image, but reflects the protagonist's transformation.
It's important to note that these are suggested page numbers and can vary depending on the screenplay length.
Here are some resources where you can learn more about Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet:
Save the Cat! website: [Blake Snyder Beat Sheet ON Save the Cat! savethecat.com]
Tim Stout's explanation with detailed breakdowns: [Blake Snyder Beat Sheet ON timstout.wordpress.com]
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A plot-based approach to storytelling prioritizes the events and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
Here are some key aspects of this approach:
Focus on Conflict: A strong plot hinges on a central conflict that the protagonist faces. This conflict can be external (antagonist, challenging environment) or internal (personal struggles, moral dilemmas).
Cause and Effect: Events in the story should be connected. Each scene or chapter should build upon the previous one, raising the stakes, introducing complications, or revealing new information.
Rising Tension: A plot-based story keeps the reader engaged by steadily increasing tension and suspense. This can be achieved through a series of escalating challenges, ticking clocks, or the threat of failure for the protagonist.
Goal-Oriented Protagonist: The protagonist in a plot-driven story is typically proactive, with a clear goal or objective they are determined to achieve. The plot revolves around their actions and choices as they pursue this goal.
Plot Points as Markers: Plot points are significant events in the story that move the plot forward. These can include the inciting incident, turning points, climax, and resolution.
Here are some popular plot structures that fall under the plot-based approach:
Three-Act Structure: This classic structure divides the story into three acts: Setup (Act 1), Rising Action & Midpoint (Act 2), and Climax & Resolution (Act 3).
Hero's Journey: This mythic structure follows the protagonist's transformation through a series of stages, including the ordinary world, call to adventure, challenges, and a final return.
Save the Cat Beat Sheet (discussed previously): This 15-point breakdown provides a framework for building a plot with clear turning points and character motivation.
Benefits of a Plot-Based Approach
Creates a fast-paced and engaging story
Keeps readers guessing and wanting more
Provides a clear structure to build a story around
Can be easily adapted to different genres
Drawbacks of a Plot-Based Approach
Character development can be overshadowed by the focus on plot
May feel formulaic if not executed creatively
Can limit exploration of themes and ideas
Remember: Even in a plot-driven story, well-developed characters and a strong thematic core will elevate the narrative. The goal is to find a balance between a compelling plot and characters the reader can root for.
In contrast to a plot-driven approach, a character-driven approach to storytelling prioritizes the motivations, desires, and internal struggles of the characters as the main engine of the narrative. Here's what this approach emphasizes:
Focus on Internal Conflict: While external conflict can exist, the core tension comes from the character's internal struggles. This could be a battle with personal demons, a difficult decision, or a journey of self-discovery.
Character Development: Deeply developed characters are paramount. The story delves into their backstories, desires, fears, and flaws. Readers connect with these characters on an emotional level, becoming invested in their journeys.
Psychological Exploration: Character-driven stories often explore the complexities of human psychology. They delve into the characters' motivations, thought processes, and how they react to situations.
Organic Plot Development: The plot unfolds organically from the characters' choices and reactions. Events are driven by who the characters are and what they want, rather than a predetermined plot structure.
Emphasis on Relationships: Relationships between characters, particularly the protagonist and their allies or antagonists, play a significant role. These relationships can be sources of support, conflict, or growth for the characters.
Benefits of a Character-Driven Approach
Creates relatable and realistic characters readers can root for
Allows for exploration of complex themes and emotions
Feels more natural and unpredictable
Can be a powerful tool for social commentary
Drawbacks of a Character-Driven Approach
Plot can feel slow-paced or meandering
May not be as action-packed or suspenseful
Requires significant investment in character development
Can be challenging to maintain reader interest without a strong central conflict
Finding the Balance:
Like the plot-based approach, a purely character-driven story can also benefit from a well-crafted plot that complements the character development. The key is to find a balance between the two. Here are some tips:
Let the characters drive the plot. Ask yourself: How would this character react in this situation? What would they do to achieve their goals?
Use external conflict to reveal internal struggles. Obstacles and challenges can expose the character's inner demons and motivations.
Make the character's journey the core of the story. What does your character learn or change by the end?
By effectively combining character development with a plot that emerges from their struggles, you can create a rich and emotionally resonant story that stays with readers long after they finish the last page.
There are various beat sheet formats, but some popular ones include:
Save the Cat Beat Sheet (15 beats): Developed by screenwriter Blake Snyder, this popular structure focuses on 15 essential plot points spread across three acts. It emphasizes character motivation and clear turning points.
Three-Act Structure Beat Sheet: This basic structure divides the story into three acts, with each act containing important turning points. Act 1 focuses on introducing the characters, setting, and central conflict. Act 2 features rising action with challenges and setbacks for the protagonist. Act 3 includes the climax, resolution, and final image.
Hero's Journey Beat Sheet: This mythological structure follows the protagonist's transformation through a series of stages, often found in fantasy, coming-of-age, and epic stories. Stages can include the Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Challenges and Ordeals, Return with the Elixir.
Regardless of the format, a beat sheet typically includes:
Plot Points: Major events that move the story forward, such as the inciting incident, turning points, climax, and resolution.
Character Arcs: Key moments that highlight the protagonist's development and changes throughout the story.
Thematic Moments: Scenes or events that reinforce the story's central themes.
Benefits of Using a Beat Sheet
Improved Story Structure: A beat sheet helps ensure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a logical flow of events.
Stronger Character Development: By plotting key turning points for your characters, you can create a more believable and impactful journey.
Avoiding Plot Holes: A beat sheet helps identify gaps or inconsistencies in your plot before you start writing the full story.
Increased Efficiency: Having a roadmap can save time and prevent writer's block by providing a clear direction for your writing.
Remember: Beat sheets are flexible tools, not rigid formulas. Feel free to adapt them to fit your specific story needs.
Act I: The Setup (Introduction)
Exposition: Introduce the main characters, setting, and establish the ordinary world where the story begins.
Inciting Incident: Disrupt the protagonist's ordinary world, presenting the central conflict that will drive the story forward.
Plot Point One (Turning Point 1): A crucial decision or event that forces the protagonist to take action and commit to pursuing a goal.
Act II: The Confrontation (Development)
Rising Action: The protagonist faces a series of challenges and obstacles as they pursue their goal. Stakes are raised, and the conflict intensifies.
Midpoint: A significant event that marks a turning point in Act II, often raising the stakes even higher and forcing the protagonist to adapt their approach.
Plot Point Two (Turning Point 2): Another crucial decision or event that raises the stakes even further and pushes the protagonist towards the climax.
Act III: The Resolution (Climax and Conclusion)
Pre-Climax: Events leading up to the final showdown or confrontation. Tension and suspense rise significantly.
Climax: The most intense moment in the story, where the protagonist confronts the main antagonist or obstacle in a decisive way.
Resolution (Denouement): Ties up loose ends, reveals the outcome of the conflict, and shows the new normal for the characters after the climax.
Here are some additional points to consider about the three-act structure:
Flexibility: The three-act structure is a guideline, not a rigid formula. The exact placement of plot points and the length of each act can vary depending on the story.
Character Arcs: Each act should contribute to the protagonist's development and transformation.
Theme: The three-act structure can also be used to explore a central theme throughout the story.
While there are other story structures, the three-act structure remains a popular and versatile tool for crafting engaging narratives.
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