When it comes to writing a story, understanding the story structure is crucial. At its core, a story is a journey that takes the reader through a series of events and emotions, and the structure of that journey is what makes it engaging and satisfying. In this blog post, we’ll explore the elements of plot and narrative arc, which are the building blocks of story structure.
The plot is the sequence of events that make up a story, and it is what drives the narrative forward. A well-crafted plot will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part serving a specific purpose.
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Exposition
The beginning of a plot is the exposition, where the setting, characters, and conflict are introduced. It sets the stage for the rest of the story and establishes the foundation for the journey to come. This is where the reader is introduced to the main character, their world, and the problem that they will face.
Rising Action
The middle of the plot is where the rising action occurs. This is where the conflict intensifies and the main character is faced with a series of obstacles and challenges. The middle is also where the plot thickens and the stakes are raised, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story.
Resolution
Finally, the end of the plot is the resolution, where the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. This is where loose ends are tied up and the reader gets a sense of closure.
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Narrative Arc
The narrative arc is the emotional journey the reader goes on throughout the story. It makes the story resonate with the reader and creates a lasting impression. A well-crafted narrative arc will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, just like the plot.
Exposition
The beginning of the narrative arc is the exposition, where the reader is introduced to the characters and setting. This is where the reader establishes a connection with the main character and begins to empathize with them.
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Challenges
The middle of the narrative arc is where the character faces their greatest challenges and experiences the most intense emotions. This is where the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling everything the character feels.
Resolution
Finally, the end of the narrative arc is the resolution, where the character achieves their goal or overcomes their obstacle. This is where the reader feels a sense of catharsis and closure.
When crafting a story, it is important to keep the plot and the narrative arc in mind. A well-crafted plot will keep the reader engaged and interested in the story, while a well-crafted narrative arc will make the story resonate emotionally with the reader.
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Some More…
In addition to the plot and the narrative arc, there are several other elements of story structure that are important to consider. These include the inciting incident, which is the event that sets the plot in motion, the climax, which is the most intense point of the story, and the denouement, which is the aftermath of the climax.
It is also important to consider the pacing of the story. A story that moves too quickly can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied, while a story that moves too slowly can bore the reader. Finding the right pacing for the story is crucial to keeping the reader engaged and invested.
In Conclusion
Understanding story structure is crucial to crafting a well-crafted and engaging story. By understanding the elements of the plot and narrative arc, and considering the other elements of story structure, writers can create a story that is satisfying emotionally and intellectually. By carefully crafting each element of the story, writers can create a journey that takes the reader on an emotional and engaging journey from beginning to end.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023
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Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.
In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.
