There's a reason why THIS is the most common story structure.

One of the most important aspects of writing a novel is knowing your story and your story's structure. One of the most common plot types is the three act structure.

The three-act structure is a tried-and-true method of storytelling that has been used in literature, film, and theater for centuries. It's a simple yet effective way to divide your story into three parts: the setup, confrontation, and resolution. By following this structure, you can create a clear narrative arc that keeps your readers engaged from beginning to end.

Let's break down each act and see how you can use it to plot your novel.

Act One: Setup In the first act, you introduce your protagonist, the setting, and the conflict that will drive the story forward. This is where you establish the status quo and the world that the protagonist inhabits. You may also introduce the main antagonist or a supporting character who will help the protagonist along the way. This act should be around 25% of your novel's length.

Act Two: Confrontation In the second act, the protagonist confronts the main conflict and faces obstacles that make achieving their goal difficult. This is the longest part of the story, where the protagonist experiences setbacks, makes mistakes, and learns important lessons. The tension and stakes increase as the protagonist gets closer to the climax. This act should be around 50% of your novel's length.

Act Three: Resolution In the final act, the protagonist faces the ultimate confrontation with the antagonist or conflict. The climax of the story occurs, and the protagonist must overcome their final obstacle to achieve their goal. This is followed by the denouement, where loose ends are tied up, and the protagonist's character arc is resolved. This act should make up the final 25% of your novel's length.

This isn't a rigid timeline though. The three-act structure is a flexible framework, and you can adjust it to suit your story. You may find that one act is longer or shorter than the others, or you may need to include additional acts or subplots to fully tell your story. The most important thing is that the structure serves the story and keeps your readers engaged.