Four Part Story Structure-MS WORD Doc

4PSS-Word-Outline.doc file

Four Part Story Structure

PART 1 – SETUP

• Opening scenes
• Killer Hook Event
• Establish setting, scene (location), stakes of hero
• Foreshadow coming events
• Set up the inciting incident
• First plot point – inciting incident

PART 2 – REACTION

• Reaction to first plot point
• Retreat, regroup, run
• Doomed attempt to take action
• First pinch point – allude to evil force – Physical middle of Part 2
• Reaction to pinch point
• Lead up to midpoint
• Midpoint of the story
• Revelation – figure out what you are up against – Physical middle of your Novel

PART 3 – PROACTION

• Reaction to midpoint—fight back and fail
• Second pinch point – allude to evil force again
• Reaction to second pinch point
• Pre second plot point lull – give the audience a tidbit – take a breath
• Lead up to second plot point
• Second plot point – the world changes again
• Start the Ticking Clock

PART 4 – RESOLUTION

• Hero accepts reality of situation
• Climax battle scene
• Final Resolution
• New equilibrium/cliffhanger

1. Download the .doc file to your computer
2. Use any version of Microsoft Word to open the file
3. Use the Four Part Story Structure Outline as a starting point to outline your next novel.