Skill Spotlight: Story Structure

Skill Spotlight: Story Structure

Defined

Story structure is the framework writers use to develop the events of the plot. Any plot has a central problem or conflict, which the story introduces, builds to a climax, and finally resolves. But first an author has decisions to make. Will the tale be character-driven, exploring one person’s emotions or ways of thinking? Maybe it will be driven by humor—or by suspense, with a complicated sequence of events that takes many twists and turns. The events might be presented in chronological order—or not. For example, an author who wishes to build tension may begin with a dramatic flashback before introducing the present context or situation in a story. A character-driven novel might describe events from the point of view of one or more characters, describing events that occurred at the same time or at different times. Whatever the story structure is, analyzing how the events of a particular chapter or scene fit into its overall framework can help you understand the work as a whole. The key is to identify which events represent the plot’s exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution or denouement.

Identification and Application:

• Story structure is a framework that the author uses to organize and develop the plot.
• To analyze story structure, note how the author orders events. Does he or she give them in sequential (or time) order? Ask yourself:
  • What is the effect of the order of events in the story? Does the order create mystery, tension, or surprise?
  • What is the pacing, or speed, at which events are developed? Is there foreshadowing? Are there flashbacks? These are also part of the story’s structure.
• Analyze the central conflict (or problem) of the plot.Ask yourself:
  • How are events or dialogue related to the conflict and how do they develop the plot?
• Remember that the structure of a plot has the following parts:
  • Exposition: The introduction of information about the setting, central characters, and circumstances at the beginning of the story.
  • Rising Action: The series of events that presents the central conflict and adds complications to it, increasing interest and tension about the problems of the characters.
  • Climax: The turning point of the story when everything comes to a head and may signal a change in the main character’s (or characters’) outlook or fate.
  • Resolution or Dénouement: The outcome or settlement of the conflict.