The Resolution could be the end of a narrative arc: where the story’s main problem is solved. By first determining your story's resolution - where everything is headed - you will always have a sense of direction throughout your outlining and writing process. When planning a novel, it’s often advised to start at the end. This is the initial idea that we will be spinning into a story using Wells’s structure - which we'll tackle in five steps. Each year, this central government selects two “tributes” from each of the districts to participate in the Hunger Games, a nationally televised competition where they will fight each other to the death. In a dystopian future, America is turned into a 13-district state with an authoritarian government based in the Capitol. While we're pretty sure Collins didn't use this method to outline her hit novel, we will apply the seven-point structure to her story and show how someone with her initial idea can develop a satisfying story.īefore we dive any deeper, here’s the premise of The Hunger Games: For instance, as Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins has said, the idea of having teenagers fight for their lives in a reality TV show came to her when she was channel-surfing. With this structuring method, all you really need is a character and some fragments of an interesting world in mind before you dive in. The seven plot points can be approached in an almost symmetrical manner that could turn an intriguing idea into a full-fledged story - and here’s how. What makes it so popular among writers is the way that Wells used it. As such, the seven-point structure itself isn’t revolutionary. This may sound a bit similar to the three-act structure - both have the elements needed to construct a plot with heightening stakes leading up to a resolution. Resolution: the major conflict is resolved, and the antagonist is defeated.Plot Turn 2: the protagonist discovers something that helps them resolve the major conflict or defeat the antagonist.Pinch 2: the major conflict takes a turn for the worse, and all appears lost for the protagonist.Midpoint: a turning point in the story where the protagonist goes from reaction to action.Pinch 1: the stakes are raised with the introduction of the antagonist or the major conflict.Plot Turn 1: an inciting incident that brings the protagonist into an adventure.The Hook: a compelling introduction to the story’s intriguing world and/or characters.So what exactly is the Seven-Point structure, and how can you use it to craft your own exciting tale? We’re giving you the full breakdown, with demonstrations from the YA hit, The Hunger Games (spoilers ahead).īut first, let's look at the seven points in Wells's structure:

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