Narartive Structure

By: Rivie
Definition of narative structure:
Narrative structure,which
Basic story structure:
incorporates storyline and plotline,is every story has a beginning,
the organizational framework of a middle, and end,” this popular
story. Stories have a beginning, a
middle, and an end. When all three of
structure splits a story's
these story sections are individually components into three distinct
compelling yet also work well in acts: Setup, Confrontation, and
concert with each other, the resultant
narrative is smooth and compelling.
Resolution.

Three Point Story Structure:

Act 1: Setup Seven Points Story Structure:

1.The Hook. Draw readers in by explaining the protagonist’s
Exposition. The status quo or ‘ordinary world’ is established. current situation. Their state of being at the beginning of the
Inciting Incident. An event that sets the story in motion. novel should be in direct contrast to what it will be at the end
of the novel.
Plot Point One. The protagonist decides to tackle the challenge
2.Plot Point 1. Whether it’s a person, an idea, an inciting
head-on. She ‘crosses the threshold,’ and the story is now truly
incident, or something else — there should be a "Call to
moving. Adventure" of sorts that sets the narrative and character
Act 2: Confrontation development in motion.

3.Pinch Point 1. Things can’t be all sunshine and roses for your
Rising Action. The story's true stakes become clear; our hero protagonist. Something should go wrong here that applies
grows familiar with her ‘new world’ and has her first encounters pressure to the main character, forcing them to step up and
with some enemies and allies. (see Tests, Allies, Enemies) solve the problem.
Midpoint. An event that upends the protagonist’s mission. 4.Midpoint. A “Turning Point” wherein the main character
changes from a passive force to an active force in the story.
(Similar to the climax in Freytag’s pyramid)
Whatever the narrative’s main conflict is, the protagonist
Plot Point Two. In the wake of the disorienting midpoint, the
decides to start meeting it head-on.
protagonist is tested — and fails. Her ability to succeed is now in
5.Pinch Point 2. The second pinch point involves another blow
doubt. to the protagonist — things go even more awry than they did
Act 3: Resolution during the first pinch point. This might involve the passing of a

mentor, the failure of a plan, the reveal of a traitor, etc.
Pre Climax. The night is darkest before dawn. The protagonist 6.Plot Point 2. After the calamity of Pinch Point 2, the
must pull herself together and choose between decisive action protagonist learns that they’ve actually had the key to solving
and failure. the conflict the whole time.
Climax. She faces off against her antagonist one last time. Will 7.Resolution. The story’s primary conflict is resolved — and the
character goes through the final bit of development necessary
she prevail?
to transform them from who they were at the start of the novel.
Denouement. All loose ends are tied up. The reader discovers the
consequences of the climax. A new status quo is established.

Freytag's Pyramid
Introduction. The status quo is established; an inciting incident occurs.
Rise, or rising action. The protagonist actively pursues their goal. The stakes heighten.
Climax. A point of no return, from which the protagonist can no longer go back to the
status quo.
Return, or fall. In the aftermath of the climax, tension builds, and the story heads
inevitably towards...
Catastrophe. The protagonist is brought to their lowest point. Their greatest fears have
come true.

Resources: https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/