Peder Hill: Story Structure and Plot

This discusses the Three act Structure. This is the basic idea that I have always heard referred to as the "rising action" curve. Displays the way a basic story should have a basic setup, after which confict is created. After the conflict the curve rises until the action climax, the point at which the story peaks, the stakes are at their utmost highest. Following this the curve returns quickly back to the original point, all loose ends are tied up and everything seems to have been resolved. This is the falling action or 'resolution'. The text makes a good point for this of "Finish your story and get out", as the audience will quickly loose interest.

It then goes on to discuss character arc and story structure. The character must begin by resisting change. I have also heard that a character in this position, no matter how unlikeable, should have some sort of redeemable or relatable quality in order to help the audience care about the character. The character is then forced upon some sort of change, to which they have no choice but to rise up and respond to it. His world is changed and will never be the same. The second act is the conflict. the conflict must move the story forward. The main character must grow as the conflicts advance. The story must change in unexpected directions to keep the audience on their toes. Before climax there is the "all hope is lost" period in which things seem at their darkest and unsaveable, but they turn it around and the heroes are redeemed, and show that they have evolved or become a better person.