How to Write a Story

A Step By Step Guide to Creating Narrative...

Introduction

In this site you will learn how to use a framework to structure a narrative, with examples and interactive tools to help you on the way.

My Projects

Concept

Define the core concept of your story

The main message you are trying to get across.

Good always prevails, Greed destroys All, the Importance of Human Connection, etc.

The genres or thematic elements that define your story.

Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Cyberpunk,

The world, time period, and general location where your story takes place.

Renaissance era Europe; Mars, 2052; A Tropical Kingdom

Conflict

Describe the central struggle that drives your narrative.

A Country at war with itself; A scientist's puzzling discovery; Nature and Humankind struggling to coexist, etc.

Select the primary category of conflict in your story.

Introduce your main character and their defining qualities.

A noble warrior; An ambitious entrepreneur; Determined but impulsive, etc.

Define the character or force that opposes your protagonist.

A ruthless tyrant; An internal struggle; A well-meaning rival, etc.

Explain the root cause and motivations behind the conflict.

For power and survival; To protect loved ones; A misunderstanding gone wrong, etc.

Plot Structure

Beginning

Introduce the main character, initial setting, and the character's goal. This is short, only giving the reader what they need to understand the rest of the story.

Middle

Introduce new characters and settings, and develop characters through events. This is the majority of the story, and should build tension.

End

Resolve the conflict and tension, and explain the impact of the climax on the characters and setting. This is generally short, but needs to wrap up any loose ends.

Beginning

Set the stage for your story

Describe the specific location, time, and circumstances under which your story opens with.

A quiet village square at dawn; A bustling space station; A ship in stormy seas, etc.

Explain what brings your protagonist to the initial setting.

It's their childhood home; They're traveling; They were sent on a mission, etc.

Describe the character's literal goal or direction.

traveling to a big city; a galactic trip; To find someone, etc.

Explain what drives them and what they desire from the beginning.

Seeking revenge; Running from danger; Following a lead, etc.

Middle

Add rising actions and complications

Rising Actions

Add key events that build tension toward the climax. (This should take up the bulk of the story, and is where new characters, setting, and information should be introduced).

Discovery of a secret underground complex; meeting an unexpected ally; A surprise betrayal, etc.

End

Bring your story to resolution

Describe what the moment of highest tension in both the conflict and story is.

A final battle; A dramatic confrontation; A life-changing revelation, etc.

Explain how the main conflict is ultimately resolved at this point.

The protagonist wins; They reach a compromise; They accept their fate, etc.

Describe how the events have changed the characters and their world.

A new ruler takes power; A character finds peace; The world is restored, etc.

Story Overview

Plot Timeline