#3 arc structure

[morrigna-writing]

Ever heard of the 3 Act Structure? Well, it is a narrative device used by authors to plot their story. Here is a breakdown of this model that you can use for your own story.

[morrigna-writing]

Act 2: The Climax

The climax is the highest point of your story and is where the main conflict resides. It establishes your protagonist's or main characters goal, unfolds tensions, and creates new obstacles for your character. The climax is important because it creates unpredicted plot twists, forcing your character to re-evaluate their original plan.

Act 2 makes up three components:

Main Goal (pre-midpoint)

Plot Twist (Midpoint & Climax)

Obstacle (post-midpoint)

The main character's goal is established in the beginning of Act 2. It tells the reader what they plan to do regarding the conflict in Act 1. This is also the part where they recruit the force or help of someone close, such as a best friend or ally.

Consider the following points when writing your main goal:

What is your character's main goal?

What obstacles do they face achieving that?

Where does this conflict arise?

What obstacles do they face and where does it lead your main character?

How do these obstacles challenge your character?

The Climax aka Plot Twist is the one of the most if not the most important part of your story. This is where the information unfolds and where tensions peak for your character. It forces them to reevaluate their plan. They also get a taste of the villains true potential and the dangers that lie ahead, making it more real for your character. Some stories will have a henchmen of the antagonist (villain) fight off the character to test the waters and the capabilities of your main character and team (if they have one).

Consider the following points when writing your midpoint-cimax:

Who or what tested your character's current strengths? What weaknesses do they have? Did they fail?

After this confrontation, what did your character feel? Did they become insecure? Did they begin to doubt? Or do they feel more confident?

How will this small confrontation affect your character's goal now?

What will it take to obtain their main goal now?

The obstacle is important to highlight because this is another obstacle the character faces that unravels their original plan. Whether they were successful during the midpoint (Climax) or not, the opposition forces (natural or human) will surprise them with yet again another obstacle they must overcome. Think about how they feel yet again when 'overcoming' this obstacle and the false sense of accomplishment and triumph they feel. Most writers give the readers a false sense of hope to setup the emotional impact Act 3 will bring.

Consider the following points when writing your obstacle:

How are they going to overcome this new obstacle?

Did they avoid it? Did they overcome it?

What false sense of hope are they experiencing?

How confident and safe do they feel?

Act 3 will be posted in a separate post, but for now, that will do it. Well, that's it for now. I hope that this short guide helped you. Happy Writing!

[morrigna-writing]

Act 1: The Introduction

The Introduction is the establishment in which your world is built. It is the hook, the call to action, and the pivotal moment where your story leads. It is important to establish these points because they set the tone of your story, tell us what your characters are about, and what themes you are exploring (though these can be elaborated throughout the book).

Act 1 makes up three components:

Exposition (Hook)

Inciting Incident (Call to Action)

Plot Point #1

The Exposition is what pulls readers into your story, hooks them in. The event that leads to the emotional conflict your protagonist finds themselves in. It also introduces us to your world and the event that will drive the story forward.

Consider the following points when writing your Exposition (Hook):

Who's this story about?

What is happening here?

What's at stake?

Why should we (the readers) care?

The Inciting Incident is the event that really sets the story in motion. The event that changes everything and pushes your protagonist to Act and get out of their comfort zone. This is where the first part of conflict arises and tells us what your protagonist will face.

Consider the following points when writing your Inciting Incident (or Call to Action):

What changes?

How does that change affect your protagonist?

What is the conflict?

Why does your protagonist fear this conflict?

The First Plot Point is the last point in Act 1. This is where the protagonist is forced to take on a more active role in the story, either by need or choice. This decision determines how the story is pushed forward and it is the first pivotal moment of the story.

Consider the following points when writing your First Plot Point:

Why must they act now?

What is at stake here?

How does the protagonist plan on moving forward?

It's important to create a sense of wonder while simultaneously drive the story forward. You need to be able to hook the readers enough without giving too much away. This is why I think answering these questions will help you write Act 1 more effectively. I find that most authors do a well job of reeling the reader, but fail once Act 2 rolls around which I will write about in another post.

I hope that this short guide helped you. Follow me for more content! :) Happy Writing!

[morrigna-writing]

How to outline your story using the 3 ARC structure. A simple guide for you to use and keep on track.