NaNoPrepMo Day 9: Two Basic Plot Structures

Understanding plot structure is crucial for anyone diving into the realm of storytelling. It’s like the skeleton that gives a body its form, or the blueprint for building a house. Two popular structures you’ll often hear about are the three-act and the five-act structures. Let’s delve into each.

The three-act structure is simple and straightforward: it breaks down into Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. Think of it like a sandwich; the first act is the bread and butter where characters and setting are introduced. The second act is the meat, where conflicts arise and characters face obstacles. The third act is the other slice of bread, bringing closure and resolution. Look at “Star Wars: A New Hope” as an example. Act one sets up Luke’s life on Tatooine, act two thrusts him into a battle against the Empire, and act three resolves with the Death Star’s destruction.

Then there’s the five-act structure, used famously in Shakespearean drama. It’s more nuanced, consisting of Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement. In “Romeo and Juliet,” the exposition introduces the Montagues and Capulets. The rising action builds through their secret love affair. The climax hits when Mercutio dies and Romeo is banished. The falling action follows the ill-fated schemes to reunite the lovers, and the denouement concludes with their tragic deaths.

So, which is better? Neither. They serve different needs. The three-act structure is often more suited for modern storytelling, especially in genres like film and short stories. It’s lean, focusing on keeping the story moving. The five-act structure allows for more complexity, often seen in plays and epic tales. It gives room for more character development and thematic depth.

Happy writing!