A Writer's Guide to Outlining a Novel Using the Three-Act Structure

Dec 1

For both the aspiring and seasoned author, one of the most daunting tasks you'll face is outlining your novel. Maybe you haven’t outlined and preferred to ride by the seat of your pants. (Calling myself out here too!)

Creating a well-paced and engaging plot can be done by writing one scene at a time. However, what can be most helpful to avoid taking years to write a novel, is to lean into the three-act structure. This is a time-tested framework that has guided countless successful authors in crafting compelling narratives. How can you utilize the three-act structure to outline your novel effectively and set yourself up for writing success? I’m glad you asked.

Key Takeaways:

The history of the three-act structure can be traced back to Aristotle's Poetics, a treatise on drama and storytelling written in the 4th century BCE.
The first act of your novel serves as the foundation upon which your story will be built.
Act 2 is the longest section of your novel, comprising approximately 50% of the story.
The final act of your novel is where all the threads of your story converge.

The History of the Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure has a long history in storytelling and has been a foundational principle in dramatic writing for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to Aristotle's Poetics, a treatise on drama and storytelling written in the 4th century BCE. Aristotle identified the three-act structure as a way to organize a play's narrative progression, consisting of a beginning (protasis), middle (epitasis), and end (catastrophe).

Over the years, the three-act structure has evolved and adapted across various storytelling mediums, including theater, film, and literature. It gained prominence during the Renaissance and continued to be refined by playwrights like William Shakespeare. In the 19th and 20th centuries, influential playwrights and theorists such as Gustav Freytag and Syd Field further popularized the three-act structure and its application to narrative storytelling.

Today, the three-act structure remains a widely used and effective tool for outlining and organizing stories, not only in traditional forms but also in contemporary novels, screenplays, and other creative works. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to create a balanced and engaging narrative flow, guiding writers in constructing compelling arcs for their characters and keeping readers captivated by the unfolding story.

Act 1: The Setup

The first act of your novel serves as the foundation upon which your story will be built. It introduces the main characters, their goals, and the world they inhabit. Act 1 also establishes the story's central conflict, setting the stage for the ensuing journey. This can be achieved with the following three elements:

1. Establishing the Status Quo: Begin by introducing your protagonist and their ordinary world. Show readers who they are, their everyday life, and any challenges they face. This helps readers connect with the character and empathize with their struggles.

2. Inciting Incident: Shake up your protagonist's world with an event that disrupts their routine and propels them into the main conflict. This incident serves as the catalyst for the story, sparking the protagonist's desire for change and setting the plot in motion.

3. Rising Action: As your protagonist embarks on their journey, they encounter obstacles and conflicts that test their resolve. This section of Act 1 builds tension, leading up to the first major turning point—the end of Act 1.

Act 2: Confrontation and Development

Act 2 is the longest section of your novel, comprising approximately 50% of the story. This act is where the protagonist faces escalating challenges, encounters allies and enemies, and undergoes significant character development. Here are the four areas to consider for Act 2:

1. First Pinch Point: Around the midpoint of Act 2, introduce a significant setback or event that reminds the protagonist of the main conflict's severity. This pinch point injects a renewed sense of urgency into the story and drives the protagonist to reevaluate their approach.

2. Rising Stakes and Complications: As Act 2 progresses, the protagonist should face escalating obstacles, each more challenging than the last. These conflicts should force the protagonist to confront their flaws, grow as a character, and evolve their strategies.

3. Midpoint and Revelation: At the middle of your novel, introduce a pivotal event that alters the protagonist's perception, leading to a new understanding of the central conflict. This revelation often marks a turning point in the story, shifting the protagonist's goals or strategies.

4. Second Pinch Point: Similar to the first pinch point, this event serves as a reminder of the antagonist's strength or the stakes involved. It renews the sense of urgency and sets up the final confrontation in Act 3.

Act 3: Resolution and Climax

The final act of your novel is where all the threads of your story converge. It brings the narrative to a satisfying conclusion, answering the central questions raised throughout the book and includes:

1. Preparing for the Climax: In the early stages of Act 3, the protagonist should regroup, gather their allies, and devise a final plan to overcome the main conflict. This section builds anticipation and sets the stage for the climax.

2. Climactic Sequence: The climax is the most intense and pivotal part of your story. It's the ultimate test for your protagonist, where they confront the antagonist or the central conflict head-on. The outcome of this confrontation will shape the resolution of the story.

3. Finale: After the climax, allow for a period of reflection and resolution. Tie up loose ends, provide closure for your characters, and offer a glimpse into their lives.

The three-act structure can be used to support outlining your novel to ensure the reader’s expectations are met and key milestones are delivered upon. With this framework, you can craft a well-structured novel with engaging characters, escalating tension, and a satisfying resolution.

How Many Words are in a Novel?

At this stage you might be thinking, “great, I’ve got my outline, so how many words do I need to write?”

For most fiction, a goal to aim for is between 80,000 - 90,000 words. There are some books that are less and many that are more. Word count can be a motivating drive by providing key milestones along the writing journey. Here’s the breakdown for a 90,000 word novel:

10% complete = 9,000 words
30% complete = 27,000 words
50% complete = 45,000 words (Woot! Keep going!)
70% complete = 67,500 words
90% complete = 81,000 words (Onto the final stretch!)
100% complete = 90,000 words

To further break this down, let’s assign a count to each act of your outline:

Act 1 Word Count:
- You’ve been setting the stage and building towards rising action. This act generally requires ~30,000 words to develop.
Act 2 Word Count:
- This is the meat of your story so a larger amount of words will be used in this act as your protagonist meets challenges and the midpoint takes place. This section of the book may use ~40,000 words.
Act 3 Word Count:
- At this stage of the game, you’ve written 80-90% of the novel and it’s time to wrap it up in the perfect little bow. This means you’ve written ~60,000 words of your book, and Act 3 will get you to the finish line by writing the remaining 20,000 words.

Using these word count breakdowns, you can begin to assign word counts to each scene within each act.

Remember, the outline is a guide. You don’t have to follow it perfectly but it will help you to write forward and see the progress taking place.