Each time we crack open a book and dive into its pages, we embark on a journey crafted by the author's imagination. But behind the scenes there is usually a framework, a creative blueprint guiding us through every twist and turn. This is called narrative structure.
For writers, brainstorming a plot is often the first step in the creative process, laying the groundwork for a narrative that will captivate readers from the word go. Certainly, as you write, your plot will evolve organically and may end up somewhere entirely different – but this planning work is no less important.
Think of your early plot drafts as a north star to guide your writing. Then, if plans do change, you have a reference point to help you decide whether the new plot is for the better (or worse) of the original story idea.
There are several popular types of narrative structure in novel writing.
1. The 3 Act Structure
Imagine your favourite novel divided into three acts, like a play. Act I sets the scene, introduces the main players and the world they live in. Importantly, it has an inciting incident that tells your reader where the narrative arc might be heading. Act II throws obstacles in the way of your cast, leading to conflicts and tension that rises steadily towards a climax. In Act III, the plot is resolved with loose ends tied up. The 3 Act Structure is a classic structure that forms the backbone of many popular novels.
2. Freytag's Pyramid
Picture a pyramid with five key points: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. This narrative structure maps the trajectory of your story's tension, starting with the introduction, escalating to a peak of conflict, then winding down to a resolution.
3. Save the Cat
In his novel Save the Cat, Hollywood screenwriter Blake Snyder emphasised the importance of creating a strong opening that engages readers from the outset. He suggests starting with a moment where the protagonist does something likable, like saving a cat, to win favour with readers. Save the Cat focuses on character-driven storytelling to ensure readers root for the hero as they embark on their quest.
4. Dan Harmon's Story Circle
Dan Harmon, screenwriter, director and creator of popular shows Community and Rick and Morty, developed a circular narrative structure that consists of 8 key stages: a character in a zone of comfort, a need, a go-to search, an opponent, a journey, a discovery, a change, and a return. It's a cyclical pattern of transformation where characters embark on a quest, face trials and emerge changed by their experiences.
5. The Hero's Journey
Author Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey is a popular quest-based narrative structure about a hero who ventures from the ordinary world into the unknown, facing trials, meeting mentors, and ultimately confronting their greatest challenges. Think Luke Skywalker’s journey in Star Wars or Frodo's in The Lord of the Rings.
6. The 7-Point Story Structure
Developed by screenwriter Dan Wells, the seven-point story structure outlines the key plot points that he saw as essential for a gripping narrative: hook, plot turn 1, pinch point 1, midpoint, pinch point 2, plot turn 2 and resolution. It's a roadmap that ensures stories hit crucial beats at the right moments, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
7. The Fichtean Curve
Created by German philosopher Johann Fichte, the Fichtean curve illustrates the ebb and flow of tension in a story. It begins with an exposition, followed by rising action as conflicts escalate, reaching a climax of maximum tension, then gradually winding down towards resolution. It's a visual representation of the emotional journey readers experience as they follow a story's twists and turns.
Whatever shape your story lends itself to, each of the above narrative structures can be extremely useful for writers who are planning a novel.
Ready to get started? Grab our Plan & Plot Guide and turn your big ideas into a proper narrative roadmap.