The+structure+of+a+story

back to home > Digital Storytelling Workshop > What's in a story? = = =**The Structure of a Story**=

===**Stories with a beginning, a middle and an end** ===

> "The pages are still blank but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamouring to become visible."

> Vladimir Nabokov

**1. The Beginning / The Set-up**
What is the 'hook' that would catch the reader? Uncover the problem Introduce your hero or villian Pose a question Hint at a conflict Set the scene : Where is it and when? Is there a quest or conflict to be resolved?

**2. The Middle / Conflict & Struggle**
The throughline is the constant thread of the story The central idea, it creates the forward momentum of the story What will keep the reader hanging on? Each obstacle is more challenging that the last

What are the key scenes that build on the opening? Complications, mysteries, clues & pieces of the jigsaw Twists and turns - confounding the reader's expectations Character arcs - how they change & grow

There can be any number of distractions or subplots, but what is common to drive the hero or compells him/her to act?

**3. The End / Resolution**
Resolving the problem. The hero triumphs

The story should snowball, accelerate towards an inevitable, yet unpredictable climax. The answer to the question. The resolution to the conflict. What are the fates of (all) the main characters.

Finally, tie up the loose ends.