Act 1 – The Set up Every story needs a good hook to lure in its readers. Make your readers interested in your story and characters. Think about the way you introduce the story. Who is the main character, what is their life like, how does the conflict of the story interfere, and why should your readers care? The main goals of act 1 are character introduction and the inciting incident that kicks off the main story conflict.

Character introduction – Try to show your readers what the character’s life is like rather than telling them. It is more interesting to read a scene of their everyday life where we learn about the character through their tone and voice than a long information dump about who they are. Avoid big blocks of world building or character backstory leading up to the inciting incident.

Inciting incident – This is the moment that must change your character’s life forever. It must be exciting and demand that your audience keep reading to know more. Show your readers the dramatic difference between this and their normal life.

Act 2 – Confrontation In act 2 you continue to develop the characters and conflict. It is important not to let the readers get bored. Design your second act to throw the characters and the reader out of their comfort zone. Create a sense of triumph and failure for the character as they succeed and struggle.

Act 3 – Resolution This is the grand finale! This act contains the lead up to the climax of the story, the climax, and the resolution.

Lead up to the Climax – This is where tensions rise to a breaking point.

The Climax – The biggest hurdle for your character. Usually where any major plot twists happen and the conflict the character has been facing gets turned on its head. Also the crisis point.

The Resolution – Time to tie up any loose ends. Any major questions in the story need to be answered by this point and leave the reader satisfied.