The last update to the Monster Structure Worksheet introduced a lot of text, so much so that I had to split it into two pages. A full-color version with notes, and a blank version for you to write in your own notes for your project.
I think now’s a good time to go through that text and expand upon it a little. Oh, and gifs, because gifs.
You can download the latest version here. Today’s post refers to v1.1 from June 11, 2016.
1: The Ordinary World
This term comes from The Hero’s Journey, or Monomyth. Basically, it’s a chance to establish a base line, or what’s “normal” for your protagonist/hero prior to the disruption of the real story. Having a base line is good for a number of reasons–it provides contrast with the action, and it allows the reader to get to know your protagonist and come to sympathize with them.
2: Call to Action
Something changes, and the protagonist is asked to confront that change and go on a journey of some kind. This journey may be an actual get-up-and-leave-the-house journey, or it could be emotional/spiritual. Either way, their life is about to change.
3: Hero’s Refusal/Doubt
The protagonist is reluctant to join the journey. They may be opposed to going, or just reluctant to leave. This ‘point’ may be very short, or it may be a major part of the story.
4: Convincing/Commitment
The protagonist is convinced or changes their own mind, and agrees to go on the journey. They may be pushed by circumstances, cajoled by a mentor, or come to a realization. Regardless of how ‘large’ 3 is, 4 needs to involve the protagonist accepting that they are about to go on a journey.
5: Turning Point 1
Point of No Return 1. The break between Act I and Act II. After this moment, there is no going back. Everything changes. The adventure begins. “Everything changes” can be as obvious as leaving this world for another, or it can be making a decision that changes the protagonist’s perceptions.
6: Exposition
Hang with me, this is where we begin to enter ‘muddy middle’ territory. Luckily, we do have structural elements breaking up Act II (which is a solid 50% of your book!) into manageable checkpoints. In the Exposition, major complications start. Between 6-8, everything is a reaction to 5. We want to shed some light on 1. Foreshadow 12/13. And expose a personal flaw and/or history (no backstory before Ch 4!). In the Hero’s Journey, this part is also where you introduce Tests, Allies, and Enemies.
7: Pinch Point 1
The antagonist displays their power, clearly a threat. Things look pretty bad for the protagonist, but it’s not dire yet. This is where the reader gets to see the bad guys as BAD, and really start to worry about our heroes.
8: Midpoint
The protagonist makes a decision to stop reacting. They have a mirror moment, and experience a personal insight. Plot-wise, we have a false resolution. Foreshadow 14.
9: Approach Begins
Begin barreling toward 12. Protagonist starts to act instead of react, gets proactive. Make sure you get the final pieces in play for climax.
10: Pinch Point 2
All hell breaks loose. The antagonist displays their power again, and this time it’s really scary. The protagonist may experience their “just desserts” for 3. Lays the groundwork for 11.
11: Approach to Climax
Run headlong into the climax. Subplots start to tie off.
12: Ordeal/Turning Point 1
Point of No Return 2, the climax is inevitable now. The Ordeal is a major clash with the antagonist, the battle begins. Also, may be an upheaval of any gains from 7-9.
13: Antagonist Triumph/Dark Moment
All is lost! Destruction of the protagonist’s plans. It looks like there’s no way out. The protagonist’s reasons from 3 and 4 impact their reaction to 13.
14: Hero’s Revelation
The protagonist must face their darkest fear, the fear which has been holding them back. Overcomes elements from 6-9 using a device from 5.
15: Win/Resurrection
The protagonist must act upon the darkest fear in order to defeat the antagonist. Victory!
16: Denouement
The winding down from the climax. Tying off a few (but not all) loose ends–you want a couple left for the reader to be able to imagine a future. Revelation from 14 comes to full bloom.
And that’s the 16-part novel structure!
I’m always open to questions or comments.
Photo: François Philipp‘s Architecture