Structuring your novel

Robyn Weightman
Nov 20, 2019
4 min read

One of the most important parts of any novel is its structure. If your novel is structured badly, then there can be sections where the reader will lose interest or even too much going on for the reader to take in.

This is the basic structure of a novel, it does not mean you have to stick to it, but it is a good general guideline to follow. To demonstrate this I am going to use Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone as an example, so if you haven't seen or read it, first where've you been? Second, maybe do not read on from this point ;)

Prologue

This is completely optional and can be missed out entirely or simply labelled Chapter One. Prologues have a lot to discuss on whether they are good, bad, necessary or put people off your book. But for now, we're just going to say you can begin your novel with one of these or use it in Chapter One if you so choose.

A Prologue is a flashback or future clip of your story. They're used to convey important information to the reader and set the scene.

In Harry Potter, it is called Chapter One and is when Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Hagrid drop Harry off at the Dursley's home as a baby.

Inciting Event

This is where your story ultimately begins. It should be an event which happens to your protagonist to begin their journey into your story. In Harry Potter, it is when he receives his first letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

1st Plot Point

This is the point of no return. The character can no longer go back to the status quo and they have something at stake. This should happen around 25% through your novel. This is not an exact percentage but a rough estimate, do not calculate the exact page or word which is 25% through your novel. You do not need to go that far.

In Harry Potter, the 1st plot point occurs when Harry arrives at Hogwarts. It is unforgettable and sets the scene for the remainder of the book, and the series itself.

Pinch Point

A pinch point should raise the tension of your book and remind the reader what is at stake. Your story should have two of these in total. In Harry Potter, the 1st Pinch Point is when the Troll enters Hogwarts and finds Hermione in the bathroom. This reminds the reader that Harry now has friends, and if he makes mistakes or they don't learn fast enough, he will lose them.

Mid Point

The mid Point is around 50% through your novel and should reveal something that changes the concept, i.e. a twist or discovery. It should also prompt your protagonist to go from reactive to proactive and move in a new direction.

In Harry Potter, the mid point occurs when Harry's Nimbus 2000 goes aywal during the Quidditch match. Though he has questioned Snape before this point, it is during this match that the other two characters believe Harry's theory about the professor.

Pinch Point

Now occurs the Second Pinch Point. This should do exactly the same as the first pinch point and create tension within the novel. In Harry Potter, this is done by sneaking into the restricted section of the library and almost being caught by Filch. Not to mention witnessing something he was not supposed to see.

2nd Plot Point

This occurs at around 75% through your novel and is where everything comes together. Your characters decide what they have to do and begin to plan how they can win or solve the mystery.

In Harry Potter, this occurs when Harry finds Voldemort in the Dark Forest drinking the blood of a Unicorn. He is no longer in doubt about Voldemort returning and knows he is looking for the Philosophers stone.

The Climax

We all know this point of a story. It is often very memorable and makes you unable to put the book down. The Climax is the final showdown, where the character either succeeds or fails. It should culminate any skills learned by your character throughout the novel and test them to their limits.

In Harry Potter, this runs from getting past Fluffy, to discovering Professor Quirrell.

Climactic Moment

If you want to go into even more detail, you can also pinpoint the climactic moment of your novel. This is the ultimate section of your climax, it ends the characters struggle or destroys them. In Harry Potter, he wins and this moment is when he defeats Professor Quirrell, sending Voldemort once more away from Hogwarts.

Resolution

The final part of your novel is the resolution. You do not want this to be any longer than a chapter or two max. It should round up any loose ends in your novel and bring any side stories to an end, (unless you're writing a series, in which case, end most of your side stories but leave something open for the reader to discover next time.)

In Harry Potter, the resolution is when Gryffindor wins the house cup, a small but ultimate goal for all the characters on the 'good side' of Harry Potter.

To recap, this is the rough structure of your story below:

Prologue - If needed.

Inciting Event - What begins your character's journey.

1st Plot Point - Where they can no longer return to their normal lives.

Pinch Point - Builds tension, reminds the reader what's at stake.

Mid Point - Reactive to Proactive.

Pinch Point - Build more tension, stake reminder.

2nd Plot Point - The decision is made, characters plan their ending.

Climax - The ultimate fight.

Climactic Event - Win or Lose.

Resolution - Tie up any loose ends.

And this concludes the structure of your novel. I hope it helps you in your endeavours and good luck with your writing!