Story structure

These plans are designed to help you structure your novel or short story. You'll find many popular planning tools to help you create a satisfying narrative structure. Whether you prefer the rules of traditional Three Act Structure or a more laid back plan like the Tentpole Method we have a plan to suit you.

Time to complete
Ease of use
Development stage

Launch Story Planner Helper

‘Take off your pants!’ Outline

This method of outlining a story starts with character and leads to a full story outline.

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timeproperty 60 min
Specialist
Developed

Simple story structure

An easy way to plot your story. This uses traditional story structure theory but is written in an easy to understand way.

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timeproperty 20 min
Easy
New idea

Index Card Plan

A flexible plan that allows you to rearrange story elements or plot points, this plan is ideal if you like using index cards to plan your story structure.

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timeproperty 30 min
Easy
New idea

Story elements

A quick and easy plan to define the key elements of any story. This one is good for short stories or to quickly outline a new idea.

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timeproperty 25 min
Easy
New idea

The Snowflake Method

A one page outline created using the Snowflake Method.

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timeproperty 45 min
Specialist
Developed

The ‘start with the ending’ story plan

Work backwards from your story ending to structure the rest of your novel.

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timeproperty 20 min
Easy
New idea

The Hero’s Journey (for novels)

The famous mythic story structure model originated by Joseph Campbell and expanded by Christopher Vogler.

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timeproperty 60 min
Challenging
In depth

Basic narrative structure

This plan highlights the key points of story structure.

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timeproperty 25 min
Easy
Developed

Simple story elements

The simplest way to describe your story. Just beginning, middle, end.

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timeproperty 5 min
Easy
New idea

Simple 3 Act Structure (for novels)

A simple plan to define 3 Acts.

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timeproperty 15 min
Easy
New idea

Save the Pet (for novels)

A popular beat sheet planning method for novels.

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timeproperty 45 min
Specialist
In depth

Tentpole Method

A flexible way to plan your novel or story.

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timeproperty 15 min
Easy
Developed

The Magnificent 7 Plot Points

A plan to define story structure using seven key plot points. This plan will help you create a well structured film plot.

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timeproperty 15 min
Easy
Developed

Pixar 'Once Upon a Time' Story Spine

This plan is based on a simple Pixar storytelling method; it starts with ‘Once upon a time…’

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timeproperty 20 min
Easy
New idea

Michael Hauge’s Six Stage Plot Structure

This plan is based on Michael Hauge’s simple but effective story structure.

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timeproperty 60 min
Specialist
In depth

Into the Woods - 5 Act Structure

A plan using five act structure based on John Yorke’s popular ‘Into The Woods’ book.

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timeproperty 40 min
Challenging
Developed

Structuring your novel – K.M.Weiland Story Structure

This plan is based on K.M.Weiland’s ‘Structuring Your Novel’ book, use this method to expertly structure your novel.

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timeproperty 45 min
Challenging
In depth

Super Structure - The key to unleashing the power of story

A plan based on James Scott Bell’s well regarded ‘Super Structure’ book.

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timeproperty 50 min
Challenging
In depth

The Plot Whisperer method

This plan uses Martha Alderson’s ‘Plot Whisperer’ method to help you plan your novel’s plot elements and more.

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timeproperty 30 min
Challenging
In depth

Syd Field story structure (for novels)

Syd Field's famous interpretation of 3 Act Structure can help you craft your novel's plot.

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timeproperty 45 min
Specialist
Developed

The Lester Dent Pulp Fiction Plot Formula

A pulp fiction plot formula based on the work of Lester Dent

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timeproperty 40 min
Easy
Developed