7 Point Story Structure

This week we are going over the 7 Point Story Structure originally proposed by Dan Wells, which he based on a Roll Playing Game guide. This is a unique look on story structure as it focuses on the main events in a story and lets you write the in-between as you go. Since Roll Playing Games tend to change as they are played, this story structure is very flexible and easy to follow.

The Hollywood Formula from last week focused on the main moments for a character, but, if you are more plot-driven in your writing, the 7 Point Story Structure may work better for you. Remember, there is no wrong story structure. Any story can fit any structure, and we can show this by using The Chronicles of Narnia again this week as an example.

7 Point Story Structure

While this method is simple to understand, it’s used in a different way from most story structures. First, let’s go over each point, and then we will discuss the most effective way to use it to plan a story.

1. Hook

The Hook is the introduction to the world and its characters. You need to do it in a unique way that catches the readers’ attention and hooks them for the story ahead. Set the characters in a normal world with something intriguing on the verge of happening.

2. Plot Turn 1

Plot Turn 1 is the inciting incident, the event that gets the story moving. This event introduces the conflict and changes your character’s world.

3. Pinch Point 1

The Pinch Point is where the stakes are raised and pressure is put on the character. Often, this is when the antagonist is introduced. The real threat enters the story, and tension is heightened.

4. Midpoint

The Midpoint is when the character is pushed so far he decides to stop reacting to the situation and starts planning ways to overcome the conflict and take down the antagonist. The protagonist moves from reaction to action.

5. Pinch Point 2

Pinch Point 2 is where the stakes are raised even more. The story takes a downward turn so the character is brought to his lowest. He enters his darkest hour where everything goes wrong.

6. Plot Turn 2

The Plot Turn 2 is the “Ah Ha!” moment. The character discovers something that makes it possible for him to defeat the antagonist. This is when he can finally do what he set out to accomplish at the Midpoint.

7. Resolution

This is the story’s climax. The character either succeeds or fails at resolving the conflict and defeating the antagonist. Often, this scene is the opposite of the Hook. By showing a similar situation with a changed character, the readers will better understand the arc of the story.

5 Steps To Using The 7 Point Story Structure

This story structure isn’t about chronological planning but about symmetry. There is a unique way that Dan proposes to use this method for the best result.

1. Plan The Resolution

You must start by first knowing where you plan to end. What do you want your character to learn, and what do you want to be the climax of the events? By knowing where you plan to end, you can always keep that in mind and write toward that ending.

2. Plan The Hook

Now that you know where you want to end, you can select where to start. It should be the opposite of the Resolution. If you want your character to be insane at the end, you must write him as sane in the beginning. If you want an epic battle at the end where the protagonist triumphs, create a starting point that has him running from a fight. Make the start the opposite of the end, and your readers will feel a sense of progression from the story.

3. Plan The Midpoint

If you know how it starts and finishes, you need to figure out how the change happens. What occurs in the middle to switch the status quo? Why does the character decide to stop reacting and start acting? Often, this point will be a false victory or a false failure. The protagonist will think he succeeds but it will be unfulfilling, or he will think he failed but then get spurred on to success anyways. You need to plan the event that starts the change in him.

4. Plan The Plot Turns

Plot Turns are the next thing you will need to plan. These are the events that bridge your gaps. Plot Point 1 is the bridge between the Hook and the Midpoint. Point 1 is the event that introduces the problem your character will need to plan on solving in the Midpoint. Point 2 bridges the Midpoint and the Resolution. Plot Point 2 is the event that gives the protagonist what he needs in order to take his plan from the Midpoint and realize it in the Resolution. Together all five points discussed so far make a story.

5. Plan The Pinch Points

The Pinch Points are the last parts of your story to plan. These are the pressure points that keep the story moving forward. If the other five points make a story, these two pinch points make the tale interesting. Pinch Point 1 will reveal the strength of the antagonist and show how hard it will be to overcome the conflict. Pinch Point 2 is when the protagonist feels the weight of defeat and all hope is lost. He realizes he must sacrifice in order to win. With these two points to add tension, you now have a complete story structure.

The Chronicles of Narnia Example

Let’s apply the 7 Point Story Structure to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I will reference the movie plot line in hopes that most of you have seen it. Spoilers are included so read on at your own discretion.

1. Hook—Four bickering siblings must leave their home due to a war and live in an unknown house in the country with strangers.
2. Plot Turn 1—Lucy finds a whole world inside a wardrobe in the country house.
3. Pinch Point 1—The siblings learn they are the prophesied saviors of Narnia, but, just when they decide to not accept their destiny, Edmund falls for the White Witch’s trap and is taken prisoner.
4. Midpoint—The siblings get Edmund back, but they have seen the cruelty plaguing Narnia. They chose to stay and fight.
5. Pinch Point 2—The sisters witness Aslan’s death, and the brothers are losing the battle against the White Witch.
6. Plot Turn 2—Aslan comes back to life and revives all their fallen allies, and Edmund realizes he must break the White Witch’s scepter to weaken her.
7. Resolution—The siblings win the war, ushering in a time of peace, and they rule Narnia as a united family.

Final Thoughts

The 7 Point Story Structure creates a nice loose outline for writers. By planning it in the order mentioned above, you can create symmetry that leaves the readers satisfied. You can have the joy of writing as you go, but you’ll know in the end that the story structure is sound. It may save you some editing time.

Thanks for reading!

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