Grab the reader, provoke interest,and cause questions to be asked.
Inciting Event
5% - 10%
The event that sets the story in motion, and will lead to the Key Event.
Key Event
10% - 15%
Reaction
The event that causes the protagonist to be caught up in the story.
Plot Point 1
25%, End of the Act
a.k.a
First Pillar (suspension bridge metaphor)
Reaction
A change of surroundings. A personal turning point. The point of no return for the protagonist.
ACT II
Strong Reaction
25% - 30%
The protagonist has a strong response to the 1st Plot Point.
Pinch Point 1
35% - 40%
The antagonist’s presence and power are displayed.
Plot Point 2
50%
a.k.a.
Midpoint
Mirror Moment
Turning Point
Shift from Reaction to Action
The midpoint. The turning point of the novel. A change of direction for the characters. A push from reaction to action. A personal catalyst for the protagonist. A move to dramatic, new, fresh, different circumstances.
The moment. The true midpoint is not a scene. It's a moment within a scene. It's like the earth's core. The true center. Find it in your novel, and everything will radiate from it.
Strong Action
The protagonist takes a strong action after the Turning Point.
Pinch Point 2
60% - 65%
The antagonist’s presence and power are reaffirmed.
Plot Point 3 (a.k.a. Pillar 3)
75%, End of the Act
a.k.a.
Second Pillar (suspension bridge metaphor)
We are setup on our inexorable course towards the Climax. A low point for the protagonist. Perhaps a meeting between protagonist and antagonist? A decision? An upheaval? An unexpected event?
ACT III
Increased Pace
75% - 97%
The pacing will naturally increase (and chapter length will decrease) as we approach the Climax.
Climax
90% - 95%
The final 10% of the novel, where the core conflict between the protagonist and antagonist is brought to a conclusion.
Climactic Moment
95% - 97%
The critical moment that fulfils the dramatic promise of the story.
Resolution
97% - 100%
A brief hint (a scene or two) of how the story continues beyond the novel’s scope. A period of emotional recovery. A chance to spend another brief moment with the protagonist.
About
Based on the book "Structuring Your Novel" by K. M. Weiland, ISBN 978-0-9857804-0-1
Map created by Cody Burleson, codyburleson.com
For a PDF chart of this structure, see: http://mattgemmell.com/structuring-your-novel/