Plotting a story

An illustration of classic dramatic structure

Once upon a time, something happened to someone . . .

• Inciting incident

The story begins with a watershed moment, a crisis, something dramatic: it’s not just that the invitation to the ball arrives, but that Cinderella is not allowed to accept it.

Someone decides to pursue a goal.

• The heart’s desire

Cinderella seeks a way to achieve her dearest wish, which is to go to the ball.

Someone devises a plan of action.

• The strategy

Cinderella finds rats and a pumpkin and various other items for her fairy godmother to turn into a coach and four.

Adversity strikes.

• Conflict

Conflict is the basis of all drama; Cinderella goes to the ball, and is almost found out by her wicked stepmother . . .

The stakes are high

• Stakes drive the tension of the story

Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, and feels a happiness she has never known.

The situation worsens

• The bleakest moment

Everything has gone wrong, and gets worse; Cinderella stays too long, and the magic fades before she can escape.

And worsens again

• Tension grows

The prince is seeking his magical princess, but Cinderella’s stepmother won’t let her try on the glass slipper.

Resolution

• Adversity is overcome

Through her own efforts, Cinderella seizes her opportunity and wins her prince.

Epilogue• Emotional weight

Does Cinderella accept the prince’s proposal? Does she forgive her stepmother? What seeds were sown in the beginning of the story that justify the end?