11 Best Story Structures for Writers (+ Examples!)

• Jul 24, 2024
• 10 min read

• Tags: Fiction, Fiction Writing, Language

One of the reasons why the Harry Potter series and Cinderella are so famous is their engaging story structure. Explore 11 different story structures and learn how to use them! Whether you’re writing a book, screenplay, or short story, these structures can help create engaging plots. We’ve also given exciting story structure examples! 

The following story structures are explored in this article: 

• Three Act Structure
• The Hero’s Journey
• Dan Harmon’s Story Circle
• The Snowflake Method
• The Story Spine
• The Heroine’s Journey
• The Spiral Structure
• Nested Loops
• In Media Res
• Beat Sheet
• Dual Narrative

If you think that a story structure always follows a logical sequence of events, this isn’t always true. So what is a story structure? Let’s see the story structure meaning very quickly. 

What is story structure? 

Story structure is the way events are arranged in a story.  They help to organize the plot, giving a direction to the story. To understand better, let’s see its broad types: linear and non-linear story structures! 

1. Non-linear structures

In many stories, the story structure is like a maze where the events are not presented in the order they occur. For example, events that took place later can be mentioned first, or any events from the past can be highlighted afterward. 

This non-linear structure can be seen in stories like The Night Circus and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

2. Linear structures 

In some stories, like a straight road trip, the story starts with the first event that took place, followed by events that happened next. This is the linear structure. 

Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Fault in Our Stars are some examples of linear story structures. 

Now let’s see the 11 different types of story structures in detail! 

11 amazing types of story structures 

1. Three-Act Structure 

This basic story structure is widely used in literature, film, and theater. Following is a simple explanation of all three acts: 

a. Act 1: Setup/ exposition 

Introduction: The main characters, setting, and the initial situation are established. 

Inciting incident: There is a change/event that leads to a challenge or goal. 

Plot point 1: The protagonist commits to facing the challenge/achieving the goal.

b. Act 2: Confrontation

Rising action: The protagonist faces escalating challenges.

Midpoint: A significant event occurs that raises stakes for the characters.

Plot point 2: An event leads to the climax, resulting in the greatest challenge for the protagonist.

c. Act 3: Resolution

Climax: The protagonist faces the main conflict.

Falling action: The consequences and impact of the climax on the characters are revealed.

Denouement: The final resolution occurs and the story ends.

An example of the following story structure is: 

2. The Hero’s Journey 

Given by Joseph Campbell, the Hero’s Journey is a structure seen in many myths, legends, and storytelling traditions. The following are its 12 stages: 

1. Ordinary world: The hero’s normal life before the adventure begins.
2. Call to adventure: The hero is faced with a challenge or quest.
3. Refusal of the call: The hero hesitates or refuses the call to adventure.
4. Meeting the mentor: The hero meets a mentor who provides guidance and support.
5. Crossing the threshold: The hero leaves the familiar world and enters the unknown.
6. Tests, allies, enemies: The hero faces challenges, makes allies, and confronts enemies.
7. Approach to the inmost cave: The hero prepares for a significant challenge in the unknown world.
8. Ordeal: The hero faces a major crisis or challenge, confronting their greatest fear.
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero overcomes the ordeal and gains a reward or records a victory.
10. The road back: The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world.
11. Resurrection: The hero faces a final test or challenge, emerging transformed, and reborn.
12. Return with the elixir: The hero returns home with new knowledge, wisdom, or power that benefits their ordinary world.

In the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s journey is a good example of Hero’s Journey. A young girl from Kansas, Dorothy is swept away by a cyclone to the magical land of Oz. She embarks on a journey to find her way back home and seek help from the Wizard of Oz. 

Along the way, she encounters various challenges and makes new friends – the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. Through her adventures, Dorothy discovers her strength, confronts the Wizard, and realizes that the power to return home is with her all along. She finally reaches home. 

3. Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 

Dan Harmon, the creator of TV shows like Community and Rick and Morty, developed this tool. Following are the 8 stages of this story structure: 

1. You: Introduce the protagonist in their normal world.
2. Need: The protagonist experiences a desire or need that disrupts their comfort.
3. Go: The protagonist enters a new, unfamiliar situation to fulfill their needs.
4. Search: The protagonist faces challenges and learns to navigate the new situation.
5. Find: The protagonist achieves their goal or obtains what they sought.
6. Take: The protagonist faces the consequences or sacrifices due to their quest.
7. Return: The protagonist returns to their original situation, often changed or enlightened.
8. Change: The protagonist is transformed by their experiences and the journey’s lessons. 

Let’s apply this theory to the popular short story Jack and the Beanstalk to understand better! 

1. You: Jack is a poor farmhand.
2. Need: He desires wealth and a better life.
3. Go: Jack trades his cow for magic beans, which grow into a giant beanstalk.
4. Search: Jack climbs the beanstalk and explores the giant’s castle, seeking treasures.
5. Find: Jack discovers a golden harp and a goose that lays golden eggs.
6. Take: The giant chases Jack, who narrowly escapes down the beanstalk.
7. Return: Jack returns home with the treasures, but the giant follows him.
8. Change: Jack outwits the giant, becomes wealthy, and learns the value of cleverness over greed.

4. The snowflake method 

Developed by author and professor Randy Ingermanson, this story structure emphasizes the importance of gradually expanding a story. The following are its steps: 

1. One-sentence summary: Create a concise summary of your story in one sentence.
2. One-paragraph summary: Expand the sentence into a paragraph that outlines the story’s major events.
3. Character summaries: Write a one-page summary for each major character, detailing their goals, motivations, and conflicts.
4. Expanded plot summary: Expand the one-paragraph summary into a one-page outline, including key story points.
5. Character synopses: Write a detailed synopsis for each major character, including their story arc and development.
6. Expanded plot: Turn the one-page plot outline into a multi-page summary, detailing each major scene and event.
7. Scene list: Create a spreadsheet or list of all scenes, including the main action and the purpose of each scene.
8. Write the first draft: Using the detailed scene list, write the first draft of your novel.

Let’s see an example to understand this better! 

1. One-sentence summary: A young girl discovers a magical key that unlocks a hidden world.
2. One-paragraph summary: Jenna, a curious 10-year-old, finds a mysterious key. This key opens the door to several enchanted forests. As Jenna explores this new world, she learns that an evil sorcerer has taken control of this world. She learns about her grandfather’s connection to the world and how she’s destined to save it. Jenna defeats the sorcerer. 
3. Character summaries 
4. Jenna: A brave, curious girl who discovers a magical world.
5. Grandfather: A wise old man with a mysterious past.
6. Talking rabbit: Jenna’s guide and friend in the magical world.
7. Evil sorcerer: The main antagonist who seeks to control both worlds.
8. Expanded summary: Jenna learns that her grandfather was once a guardian of Sylvalia and that she has inherited his magical abilities. With the talking rabbit Finnegan’s help, Jenna embarks on a quest to find the ancient Book of Light, which holds the power to defeat Malakai. Along the way, she faces challenges such as crossing a treacherous ravine, outsmarting a cunning fox, and navigating a labyrinth guarded by a giant troll. 

As Jenna overcomes each obstacle, she grows in confidence and strength, ultimately confronting Malakai in his dark tower. Using the Book of Light and her own inner power, Jenna defeats the sorcerer, freeing Sylvalia from his grasp. 

5. The Story Spine 

Created by the playwright Kenn Adams, this story structure is widely used. The following are its 8 steps: 

1. Once upon a time..: Establishes the setting and introduces the main character.
2. Every day…Describes the character’s normal life and routine.
3. But one day…Introduces an inciting incident that disrupts the normal routine.
4. Because of that…Shows the consequences of the inciting incident, leading to a series of events.
5. Because of that…Continues the chain of events, escalating the story.
6. Because of that…Further escalates the story, building towards the climax.
7. Until finally… Reaches the climax where the main conflict is resolved.
8. And ever since then…Concludes the story, showing the new reality for the character.

Let’s see a short, interesting example of this structure! 

1. Once upon a time, there was a hardworking ant named Archie.
2. Every day, Archie gathered food and strengthened his ant colony.
3. But one day, a greedy grasshopper named Greg stole the colony’s food.
4. Because of that, Archie set out on a quest to retrieve the stolen food.
5. Because of that, Archie faced challenges and made new allies.
6. Because of that, Archie discovered Greg’s weaknesses and devised a plan.
7. Until finally, Archie outsmarted Greg and recovered the colony’s food.
8. And ever since then, Archie’s colony thrived, and Greg learned the value of honest work.

6. The heroine’s journey 

The concept of the Heroine’s Journey was notably developed by Maureen Murdock, a psychotherapist and author. The following are this structure’s 9 stages: 

1. Separation from the feminine: The heroine starts in a world where she feels constrained by traditional feminine roles.
2. Identification with the masculine & gathering of allies: She adopts traditionally masculine traits and gathers support to pursue her goals.
3. Road of trials: The heroine faces challenges and obstacles that test her strength and resolve.
4. Experiencing the boon of success: She achieves a significant victory or success.
5. Awakening to feelings of spiritual aridity/death: Despite her success, she feels a sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment.
6. Initiation & descent to the goddess: She undergoes an inner transformation, reconnecting with her feminine side and deeper self.
7. Urgent yearning to reconnect with the feminine: The heroine seeks to integrate her feminine qualities and restore balance.
8. Healing the wounded masculine: She heals her relationship with masculine aspects of herself and others.
9. Integration of the masculine and feminine: The heroine achieves harmony between her masculine and feminine traits, leading to true empowerment and wholeness.

The following example explains this story structure!

1. Separation from the feminine: Alice feels trapped in her small town, where she’s expected to marry young and become a housewife.
2. Identification with the masculine & gathering of allies: She decides to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and moves to the city, where she meets a supportive group of friends.
3. Road of trials: Alice struggles to find a job and faces rejection from publishers. She doubts her abilities and considers giving up.
4. Experiencing the boon of success: She finally lands a job at a magazine and her articles receive praise. She starts working on a novel.
5. Awakening to feelings of spiritual aridity/death: Despite her success, Alice feels empty and disconnected from her true self. She realizes she’s lost touch with her creativity and passion.
6. Initiation & descent to the goddess: Alice takes a solo retreat to reconnect with herself. She rediscovers her love for writing and begins to prioritize her own needs.
7. Urgent yearning to reconnect with the feminine: She starts incorporating self-care and mindfulness into her daily routine. She also reconnects with her female friends. 
8. Healing the wounded masculine: Alice learns to set boundaries at work and in her relationships, standing up for herself and her values.
9. Integration of the masculine and feminine: She finishes her novel, which reflects her journey of self-discovery. Alice emerges as a confident, balanced woman who embraces both her ambition and her emotional well-being.

7. The spiral structure 

This structure is particularly effective for exploring complex characters, intricate plots, or thematic depth. The following are its steps: 

1. Introduction: Establish the basic premise, characters, and initial conflict.
2. Repetition with variation: Key events or themes recur throughout the story, each time with new insights, challenges, or stakes.
3. Deepening conflict: With each cycle, the protagonist faces more intense versions of the original conflict or theme, leading to greater personal growth or revelation.
4. Climax: The cumulative effect of the repeated cycles leads to a peak of tension and resolution.
5. Resolution: The story concludes with a sense of closure, as the protagonist has undergone significant transformation through their journey.

The following is an example of the spiral structure: 

1. Introduction: Liam, a shy teenager, dreams of becoming a singer but has severe stage fright.
2. Repetition with variation: Liam joins the school choir and starts singing in front of others, but still struggles with solos.
3. Deepening conflict: Liam lands the lead role in the school musical but becomes increasingly anxious during rehearsals.
4. Repetition with variation: A voice coach teaches Liam techniques to manage his anxiety, but he still fumbles during dress rehearsals.
5. Deepening conflict: On opening night, Liam freezes on stage, unable to sing his first note.
6. Climax: Liam takes a deep breath, visualizes himself singing confidently, and delivers a stunning performance.
7. Resolution: Liam realizes how much he has grown during his journey and embraces his newfound confidence to pursue his passion for singing.

Now let’s see how to structure a story using nested loops. 

8. Nested Loops

This structure helps to explore multiple perspectives related to a main theme/event. The following are its steps: 

1. Primary narrative: The main story acts as a frame or outer layer.
2. Secondary narratives: Within the primary narrative, one or more secondary stories are introduced. These can be flashbacks, anecdotes, or entirely separate stories.
3. Interconnected themes: Each nested story contributes to the overall themes, character development, or plot of the primary narrative.
4. Resolution: The secondary narratives eventually get linked to the primary narrative, enhancing the main story’s resolution and providing deeper insight.

The following example explains this technique: 

1. Primary narrative: Sarah, a therapist, listens to her patient, John, recount a recent argument with his wife.
2. Secondary narrative: John shares a childhood memory of his parents fighting, revealing his deep-seated fear of abandonment.
3. Interconnected themes: Sarah realizes that John’s past experiences influence his current relationship struggles.
4. Secondary narrative: John recalls a time when he left a previous partner during a heated argument, regretting his impulsive decision.
5. Resolution: As John finishes sharing his stories, Sarah helps him understand how his past shapes his present behavior. Together, they work on developing healthier communication skills to strengthen his marriage.

9. In media res 

This structure of a story involves starting a narrative amid the action, often bypassing initial exposition and background details. By beginning in the middle, the story immediately engages the audience with dramatic or important action. As the plot progresses, flashbacks, dialogue, or characters recounting events help explain the backstory. 

Here is an example: 

The castle walls shook as dragon fire rained down from above. Sir Galahad, his armor battered and scorched, gripped his sword tightly. He glanced at his companions, their faces grim with determination. They had come so far, and the fate of the kingdom hung in the balance. With a rallying cry, Galahad charged forward, ready to face the dragon and end its reign of terror once and for all.

10. Beat sheet 

Created by Blake Snyder, the story structure helps writers plan their story by breaking it into different beats. Following are the 15 beats used: 

1. Opening image

A snapshot of the world at the beginning of the story is given. This sets the tone and mood for the narrative. 

2. Theme stated

In this step, a moment, often early in the story, where the central theme or message is hinted at, usually through dialogue is written.

3. Set-up

At this stage, the main characters, setting, and the initial situation are introduced. The protagonist’s status quo and life are established before the main conflict.

4. Catalyst

An event or inciting incident that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and sets the main plot in motion is described.

5. Debate

The protagonist grapples with the decision of whether to take on the challenge presented by the catalyst. This section often highlights their fears and reservations.

6. Break into two

The protagonist makes a decisive action or choice that moves the story from Act 1 into Act 2, signaling the start of the main journey.

7. B story 

A subplot that often provides a counterpoint to the main plot. It usually involves secondary characters and themes, often providing emotional depth.

8. Fun and games

The heart of the story—this is where the main premise is explored. This section delivers on the premise’s promise with engaging and entertaining sequences.

9. Midpoint

A significant event or twist that changes the direction of the story. It often raises the stakes, shifts the protagonist’s goal, or introduces a new complication.

10. Bad guys close in

The protagonist faces increasing obstacles and challenges. The antagonist becomes stronger and more threatening.

11. All Is lost

This is a moment of apparent defeat for the protagonist. This is often a low point where things seem bleakest.

12. Dark night of the soul

The protagonist experiences doubt, reflection, and a crisis of faith. They must dig deep to find the resolve to continue.

13. Break into three

The protagonist finds a new solution or gains a new insight, leading to the final act. This marks the transition from Act 2 to Act 3.

14. Finale

The climax of the story is where the protagonist confronts the central conflict and resolves it. This section ties up the narrative threads and leads to the conclusion.

15. Final image

A closing snapshot that mirrors or contrasts with the opening image, showing how the protagonist and their world have changed.

The following is an example of this technique: 

1. Opening image: A serene forest glade.
2. Theme stated: “Courage lies within.”
3. Set-up: Introduce Liam, a timid young elf.
4. Catalyst: An ancient evil threatens the kingdom.
5. Debate: Liam doubts his ability to make a difference.
6. Break into two: Liam joins a quest to stop the evil.
7. B story: Liam forms a bond with his mentor, Aria.
8. Fun and games: Liam trains and learns new skills.
9. Midpoint: Liam’s team suffers a major defeat.
10. Bad guys close in: The ancient evil grows stronger.
11. All is lost: Liam’s mentor Aria is captured.
12. Dark night of the soul: Liam feels helpless and alone.
13. Break into three: Liam rallies his allies for a final stand.
14. Finale: Liam confronts the evil and saves the kingdom.
15. Final image: Liam, now a confident hero, leads his people to rebuild.

11. Dual narrative 

A dual structure of a story involves telling two distinct but interrelated storylines concurrently. These storylines often unfold in different time periods, locations, or from different characters’ perspectives. Throughout the narrative, connections between the two stories become apparent, and they typically converge or intersect by the end. 

One of the best examples of dual narrative can be seen in Jeffrey Archer’s novel Kane and Abel. It follows the life of 2 men, William Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski, born on the same day in 1906. The novel expertly weaves together their separate storylines, chronicling their rises, falls, and all important events that shape their lives for 60 years. 

After understanding what is the structure of a story, let’s see exciting story structure examples! 

 Examples of story structures

Once you’ve completed writing the story, the next step is to edit it. As experts in editing and proofreading services, we’d love to help you enhance your story! PaperTrue also provides high-quality self-publishing services for authors. 

Here are some other useful resources for you: 

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Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.