bybren-llc Story Structure
Three-Act Structure
Act One (Setup) - ~25%
- Opening Image - Visual that sets tone
- Theme Stated - Hint at the theme
- Setup - Introduce protagonist, world, stakes
- Catalyst - Inciting incident
- Debate - Protagonist hesitates
- Break into Two - Protagonist commits to journey
Act Two (Confrontation) - ~50%
- B Story - Secondary storyline (often romance/friendship)
- Fun and Games - Promise of the premise
- Midpoint - False victory or defeat, raises stakes
- Bad Guys Close In - Pressure increases
- All Is Lost - Lowest point
- Dark Night of the Soul - Protagonist confronts failure
Act Three (Resolution) - ~25%
- Break into Three - Solution discovered
- Finale - Confrontation and resolution
- Final Image - Opposite of opening, showing change
Beat Sheet (Save the Cat!)
| Beat | Page | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Image | 1 | Set tone, "before" snapshot |
| Theme Stated | 5 | Someone hints at lesson |
| Set-Up | 1-10 | Introduce hero's world |
| Catalyst | 12 | Life-changing event |
| Debate | 12-25 | Should hero act? |
| Break into Two | 25 | Hero enters Act 2 |
| B Story | 30 | Subplot begins |
| Fun and Games | 30-55 | Promise of premise |
| Midpoint | 55 | Stakes raised |
| Bad Guys Close In | 55-75 | Opposition increases |
| All Is Lost | 75 | Whiff of death |
| Dark Night | 75-85 | Hero at lowest |
| Break into Three | 85 | "A-ha!" moment |
| Finale | 85-110 | Final confrontation |
| Final Image | 110 | "After" snapshot |
Sequence Method
Eight sequences, each 10-15 pages:
- Sequence A - Status quo and inciting incident
- Sequence B - Predicament and lock-in
- Sequence C - First obstacle
- Sequence D - First culmination (midpoint)
- Sequence E - Subplot dominates
- Sequence F - Main tension returns
- Sequence G - Second culmination (crisis)
- Sequence H - Resolution
Hero's Journey
- Ordinary World
- Call to Adventure
- Refusal of the Call
- Meeting the Mentor
- Crossing the Threshold
- Tests, Allies, Enemies
- Approach to Inmost Cave
- Ordeal
- Reward
- The Road Back
- Resurrection
- Return with Elixir