Building the plot of a story with events and action effective enough to keep a reader's interest can be a daunting task for a writer. Writers learn that a story plot should contain: an inciting incident, conflict, climax and resolution. All of this can be divided into three acts – beginning, middle, and end. Writers know these components are part of a story, but not necessarily how to go about incorporating them into their writing. There are tips and suggestions to guide the writer in an organized manner toward achieving that dynamic plot.
Beginning – Hooking the Reader
In the beginning, the hook with its catchy phrase or sentence grabs the reader's attention immediately. Story or plot development should start with this. But then the trick is to keep the action going. An inciting incident can introduce the protagonist or main character and his or her purpose. This purpose or goal explains the conflict of the story and what's at stake, i.e.what does he or she stand to lose? This inciting moment should make the reader curious and want to know more.
Another integral part to the beginning is the setting. The writer will want to give a brief description of time and place to help the reader visualize. Also, a few details of the character's background would be appropriate in this section, but not too much information given at a time. This is a common mistake where lengthy descriptions and too long of a break from the action will bore the reader.
And finally, the first major complication should be introduced. While the protagonist moves toward achieving his or her purpose/goal there should be obstacles along the way, both great and small. The first major complication sets the character back for the moment, presenting an obstacle to overcome before moving on again. After all, the protagonist's journey should be a challenge that readers find intriguing, not an easy, boring one that is predictable.
Middle – Keeping the Momentum
As the story progresses, it should continue with events where more is revealed about the characters. This is done by developing their relationships, conflicts, and motives. When the readers get to know the characters, they will become invested in what happens to them. If the readers care, they will keep reading because they are curious to know what will happen.
As the protagonist moves closer to the goal, the stakes become greater. Each time the character gets within reach of that goal, something should happen, some obstacle or opposing force to set him or her back. The story must keep moving forward with events that progress like a chain of causes and effects. Yet, it should be a challenging journey where the pattern of action, followed by a complication, then action, another complication, etc. occurs and repeats. Near the end of this section the second major complication or setback should occur. This way the tension winds up and builds that momentum, nearing the climatic point of the story.
Since the middle is the longest section of the plot or story, it is often the most challenging. It may be difficult to keep that momentum and avoid the "middle muddle" where action loses steam. The writer must stay focused and remember to keep the characters and action moving forward. Three questions should be kept in mind as each event progresses. First, what does the protagonist (and this can be for the other characters, too) want to accomplish? Second, what are his or her consequences if he or she doesn't achieve it? And third, who or what will get in the way?
End – A Satisfying Finish
Up to this point, the series of events have been building to reach the most forceful event of all with all the emotion and power imaginable. This is the climax. Here, the protagonist must face the opposing force and overcome it, or the goal will never be achieved. The readers have lived for this moment, so it should be everything they expect. Questions the writer must answer include whether the protagonist will succeed or fail, how it will happen, and is it a logical conclusion to the events building up to it.
Often this is the point where writers fall short. For one, impatience to hurry up and complete the story will lead to a shabby ending. The same energy given to the beginning and middle should be maintained for the ending. One idea that is successful for some is to work backward. Writers who have an ending in mind for their story can figure out that part of it first, and then develop the story step by step backward from there. Another reason an ending may fizzle is when writers sympathize too much and try to spare their characters' feelings. The challenges of the characters will often bring harm to them and is essential to the action of the plot. They must be put through an emotional and physical gauntlet to reach their goals.
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