Plot structure tutorial from Joe Nassise

---

20 steps to get you from start to climax Friend of the blog and terrific horror author Joe Nassise
posted the following “tried and true plot structure” on the GENREALITY blog to help writers prepare for NANOWRIMO
. I thought it might be of help to you, so asked to pass it on. Joe was happy to share—click his link and get to know Joe.

Step 1: Characters, Conflict, and Major Story Goal are introduced
At the very beginning of your story, the characters, the opposition/conflict, and the overall goal of the tale are introduced.

Step 2: Characters begin their journey
The characters begin consciously or unconsciously making preparations for the “journey” or adventure that they will be undergoing throughout the tale. A deeper sense of their abilities and motivations is given to the reader during this section, a means of letting the reader “get to know them” better.

Step 3: First Goal is determined
The characters make a decision to take some action relative to helping them reach the story goal. That goal is identified for the reader, as are the reasons behind it.

Step 4: Actions are taken to reach that goal
The characters take action designed to bring them closer to the goal outlined in the previous step.

Step 5: Characters are prevented from reaching their first goal
The first goal is thwarted, either through the actions of the opposition or other circumstances that are not under the characters’ control.

Step 6: Characters react
The characters react to the fact that they failed to reach their goal.

Step 7: Stakes are raised
The stakes the characters are facing if they do not reach the story goal are raised, which in turn raises the tension and excitement of the story for the reader. This is also where the characters react to the raising of the stakes.

Step 8: A new (second) goal is developed
Determined not to let one set-back prevent them from reaching their goal, the characters develop a new, larger goal (since the stakes are now higher.)

Step 9: Actions are taken to reach the second goal
The characters take some action designed to bring them closer to the goal outlined in the previous step.

Step 10: Characters are prevented from reaching their second goal
The second goal is thwarted, again either through the actions of the opposition or some other circumstances that are not under the characters’ control.

Step 11: Characters react
The characters react to the fact that they failed to reach their goal for the second time.

Step 12: Stakes are raised
The stakes become even higher, with greater consequences in the event of failure. The characters react to this change.

Step 13: Low Moment Begins
At this point the characters are feeling their failures. They are demoralized and uncertain just what to do next. Some may even be on the verge of giving up. It is only the high stakes that keep them in the game now.

Step 14: Third Goal is developed
With uncertainty and confusion running rampant, the characters try to rally and push onward. A new goal is developed, though this time the specter of failure looms close at hand.

Step 15: Actions are taken despite uncertainty
Determined not to give up without a fight, the characters push through and attempt to reach the goal one more time, despite the fact that their chances of success look slimmer by the minute.

Step 16: Dark Time Begins
The characters fail miserably and the terrible circumstances they have been trying to avoid seem all too likely.

Step 17: Characters react to the dark time
Despair sets in as the characters reach their lowest emotional point in the story. Everything they feared is about to come to pass and they seem to be completely out of options. The stakes are at a fever pitch by this point.

Step 18: Pivotal change occurs
A crucial event takes place that makes the character’s all too well aware that they don’t have the option of failing. Maybe their lives are on the line. Maybe it is the life of a loved one or the fate of the entire world. Whatever it is, the characters must face it and decide that they have to give it go or die trying.

Step 19: Goals are revised one last time
For the last time, the characters set a goal and go for it with all they’ve got.

Step 20: Final showdown happens, the opposition is defeated and the characters react to their success
The characters face off against the opposition and this they succeed. The opposition is defeated and they are left to figure out just where they go from here.

For what it’s worth.

Ray

---

Your donations help cover the cost of hosting FtQ. Just click the button to chip in.

---

Public floggings available. If I can post it here,

Submitting to the Flogometer:

1. Email your 1st chapter or prologue plus 1st chapter as an attachment (.doc or .rtf preferred, .docx okay) and I'll critique the first page.
2. Please format with double spacing, 12-point font Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.
3. Please include in your email permission to post it on FtQ.
4. And, optionally, permission to use it as an example in a book if that's okay.
5. If you’re in a hurry, I’ve done “private floggings,” $50 for a first chapter.
6. If you rewrite while you wait you turn, it’s okay with me to update the submission.

ARCHIVES

© 2009 Ray Rhamey

Comments

[Doug]

As noted, that structure was for NaNoWriMo, where quantity rules over quality. I'm not sure that I'd much care to read a novel that simply followed that structure.

I think my biggest problem with it is step #18, aka the Final Plot Point. The way that Joe's structure describes it, it sounds like the only reason that the previous three attempts failed was that the lead wasn't sufficiently motivated.

My understanding is that a more common situation for step #18 is that some information is learned or an ally is made at that point, and the new information or ally is the edge that is needed for success. The information or ally should be foreshadowed, of course.

Bonus points if using that information or ally presents a moral dilemma or other major cost for the lead.

[Christine H]

Hey, I haven't done NaNoWriMo yet. Maybe next year, as this year I am revising. But I do think it's a good idea to help people get past their inhibitions and just get started on that first, rough draft.

I was thinking as I looked at this post how it also mirrors the author's journey!

[Christine H]

P.S. I think I'm in Step 14.

[Christine H]

My previous comments didn't appear to post, so I'll try again:

I haven't done NaNoWriMo yet, and won't this year, but I think it's a good idea for all of us who have a hard time overcoming our inhibitions and just starting that first draft.

I can't help thinking that this post also reflects the author's journey. I think I'm in Step 14.