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The 3-Act structure (learn more here) is a way of structuring the progression of your story according to different events. Answer the following questions to help you make a clear development. Questions took from Abbie Emmons channel.

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https://youtu.be/DziLVZJ3-8k?si=FBtOig6WzncTYtVX

ACT 1

HOOK

INTRODUCTION TO PROTAGONIST’S INNER CONFLICT

The hook is internal conflict, which is simple: desire vs fear. Despite popular belief, the internal conflict starts long before the inciting incident shows up to destroy your protagonist’s life. In fact, that conflict has been boiling just below the surface this whole time — otherwise, your inciting incident wouldn’t matter. See, external conflict (the plot) is all about what happens; but internal conflict (the story) is about why it matters.

PROMPT:

Ask yourself:

• What does my protagonist think will bring her true happiness or contentment? And how is her fear stopping her from going after it?
• What is my character’s misbelief and what happened in their past to create this misbelief?
• How can I show my audience in the FIRST FIVE MINUTES why “what’s happening” MATTERS to my protagonist, given their desire, fear, and misbelief?

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INCITING INCIDENT

PROTAGONIST IS PUSHED OUTSIDE COMFORT ZONE

This is the event that really sets your story in motion. Your inciting incident doesn’t have to be some big, epic, crazy call-to-adventure. It just has to be something that pushes your protagonist outside their comfort zone. A conflict surfaces — something the protagonist has to face head-on. It’s really as simple as that. Don’t overcomplicate it, as many writers do. If you know why the inciting incident matters to the protagonist and you let them react to it as a normal person would (running for cover because of their fear!) CONGRATULATIONS. You nailed it.

PROMPT:

Ask yourself: