The Three 3s of Good Storytelling

 

I originally put this worksheet together for a series of writing classes I taught in 2004. I have been using it ever since.

See my book, Every Day Is a Story All Its Own, for more explanations and detailed examples.

https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Story-All-its/dp/1989940897/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3GYp7gyaVw65MJCdffLUwQ.DgsXdRAFlxbAKbnHsPaPGU-13YsjldmJtcxJJ6lH_Ls&qid=1743251798&sr=8-1

The Basics

 

Who (the characters: human, nonhuman, alien)

 

 

Where (the setting; locale(s))

 

 

What (the main problem; who wants what and “what is wrong

            in the where”)

 

 

The Framework

 

Beginning (Introduction of the Basics, also style and conventions)

 

 

Middle (work on Main Problem, other problems, obstacles, complications)

 

 

End (solve problems, “Happily ever after”[?])

 

 

The Mechanics

 

Circumstances (where + what = affect on the who and their actions and

            behaviors)

 

 

Conflict (X vs. Y; wants, needs, desires; obstacles to solving problems; opposites)

 

 

Climax (high point of story; Main Problem is solved)