Several weeks ago, I talked about the three-act structure, and I said that this was one of many structures authors could use in their novels. Another is the seven-point structure. This breaks down story arcs into seven simple beats that help you define the trajectory of your story. It is a relatively new story structure, having first been created by Dan Wells in 2013, but it has found popularity with many authors because of its simplicity and its symmetry.
As the name suggests, this structure has seven parts:
1. The hook
2. Plot turn 1
3. Pinch point 1
4. The midpoint
5. Pinch point 2
6. Plot turn 2
7. The resolution
It’s very similar to the three-act structure, but the seven-point structure breaks storylines down into even more manageable chunks, and that’s why it’s so popular. Let’s take a look at each of these beats and how they build on each other to create a compelling narrative.
The Seven Points
The Hook
Every story has to start somewhere, but sometimes it’s not at the chronological start. A novel may start further on in the narrative and then jump back to show how the character got to that position. For instance, in The Emperor’s New Groove, we start about two-thirds of the way through the narrative with Emperor Kuzco in llama form alone, soaking and contemplating how he got there before we jump back to show how Kuzco got to this place. This scene, about 2/3 of the way through, is what is known as the hook. The hook must capture your readers’ attention; it must ‘hook’ them (hence the name). Some other ways to hook your reader are hinting at what’s to come or the theme of the book (e.g., Pride and Prejudice) and starting with action (e.g., American Psycho). How you choose to start your novel will largely depend on the genre and subgenre you are writing. An action story will likely start with action, while a romance novel might start with musings about the nature of love. Starting your novel in a way that is not typical of that type of writing can confuse or disorientate your readers, so take a look at how published authors have started their novels. The hook must happen in the first chapter.
Plot Turn 1
Plot Turn 1 is the first major turning point in your novel. It’s the point of no return for your main character. Your character now has to get involved whether they want to or not. They might still be resisting, but they’re involved. There should be an emotional element to Plot Turn 1; it should personally affect the protagonist; it should be something they can’t say no to. Your First Plot Point must happen on the page – your readers can’t learn about it second hand. Plot Turn 1 usually occurs around the 25% mark. First Plot Points in fantasy and sci-fi novels sometimes come a little later (up to 30%) because these genres require more set-up. Your First Plot Point needs to come around this point: if it comes too late, your First Act will drag, but, if it comes too early, your Second Act will drag. You may find that you will instinctively know where Plot Turn 1 is because we have an innate sense of pacing.
Pinch Point 1
About halfway through this section (c. 37%), your antagonist should poke their head above the parapet. This is usually known as the Pinch Point 1 and should accomplish two things:
· Set up your main characters’ change of tactics at the midpoint
· Raise the stakes
Pinch Point 1 does not have to be overly dramatic; it can be as simple as your antagonist jabbing at your main character or, if you are writing multiple points of view, a scene that shows what your antagonist is plotting. This should be a natural offshoot of Plot Turn 1, but it should foreshadow the Climax.
The Midpoint
The next major plot point you will reach is your midpoint, which, as the name suggests, comes around the 50% mark. Like at Plot Turn 1, your readers will expect something big to happen now. Usually, your main character undergoes some sort of crisis that pushes them to act, instead of react. This event should be a new, story-altering event. They now have to change tactics; they have to go on the attack. This might be where they learn a skill or acquire an item they need to succeed.
Pinch Point 2
Your protagonist is going full steam ahead, but now something goes wrong. This event brings your character to their lowest point. Your antagonist will also pop up again, about the five-eighth mark, but this scene should emphasise the antagonist’s ability to defeat the protagonist. The protagonist, and the readers, should question whether they can go on and succeed. But your protagonist also gains a new perspective that renews their confidence and pushes them towards the final showdown.
Plot Turn 2
Your Third Act will start with Plot Turn 2. Here, the main character might discover something that allows them to finish their mission, or they will think all is lost. But what your main character will know is that they will have to face the antagonist or conquer their demons.
Climax and Resolution
The rest of the Third Act should ramp up for the Climax, which should occur at about the 90% mark, with the final climactic moment being the penultimate scene. Some stories will have a faux climax, where the protagonist thinks they’ve ended the conflict, only to realise they haven’t addressed the true issue, prompting a second (true) climax. The Climax is your last chance to wow your readers. You need to provide them with a scene that is both inevitable and unexpected; they should not predict it, but it shouldn’t be completely out of the blue if you have foreshadowed correctly. Take your time to craft your Climax, so your readers don’t feel cheated.
The final scene you need to write is the Resolution. You can, technically, finish your story after the Climax, but I don’t recommend this. Readers need a moment to reflect, and, if this is a standalone novel, both you and your readers need a chance to say goodbye. This shouldn’t be a long chapter, but, in it, you need to provide a sense of finality (your story is over) but also continuation (your characters will go on and live another life once the book is closed). This is not an easy scene to write, but, in some ways, it’s the most important, so take your time to craft the final scene.
How To Use the Seven-Point Structure
Most people attempt to write their novel outlines from start to finish, but, with the seven-point structure, you should bounce around to make sure the relevant beats mirror each other. Let me explain.
1. Start with the end. Determine the Climax and Resolution first, so you know where you need to get to. This will give you a sense of direction throughout the novel.
2. Decide on your Hook. Your Hook should be the opposite of your Resolution, so it’s a good idea to write the two together.
3. Divide these two points in two with your Midpoint. Your Midpoint should be an event that has two parts: the main character reacts to the environment and proactively works towards their own goal. This is sometimes a false victory.
4. Work out your plot turns. Plot Turn 1 should force your character into action, and Plot Turn 2 should push your readers towards the climax.
5. Add conflict with pinch points. Don’t let your characters off too easily, so add conflict to raise the stakes.
Summary
The seven-point structure is another way to structure your novel. It has seven beats – the Hook, Plot Turn 1, Pinch Point 1, Midpoint, Pinch Point 2, Plot Turn 2, and the Climax and Resolution. These beats play off each other to create a compelling story.
This structure is relatively new (being only a decade old at the time of writing), but many authors like using it because it is simple. As ever, this is just one of the many ways you can structure your novel, and you can adapt this to best fit your novel. That’s the beauty of the seven-point structure.
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