Heaven 17
Whether it's a book, movie, or TV show, there are 17 plot beats that can keep your audience engaged and invested in your story:
Hook: You need to start your story with a hook that grabs your audience's attention and makes them want to keep reading or watching.
Character: Introduce your main character and give the audience a reason to care about them.
Expectation: Set up the expectation for your story - what is the status quo that your main character wants to change?
Catalyst: Something happens to disrupt the status quo and set your story in motion.
Debate: Your main character debates whether or not to act on the catalyst.
Action: Your main character decides to take action and pursue their goal.
Fun & Games: Your main character experiences some early success and has some fun along the way.
Midpoint reversal: Halfway through your story, something happens that changes everything and makes it harder for your main character to achieve their goal.
Bad guys close in: The antagonistic force in your story starts to close in on your main character, making it even harder to achieve their goal.
The dark night of the soul: Your main character hits rock bottom and feels like giving up.
Gather wits: Your main character takes a step back and reevaluates their situation.
Execute the plan: Your main character comes up with a new plan and takes action.
High tower surprise: Just when it seems like your main character has achieved their goal, they face one final obstacle.
Dig deep down: Your main character taps into their inner strength to overcome the final obstacle.
Execute a new plan: Your main character comes up with a new plan to achieve their goal.
Resolution: Your main character achieves their goal, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Button: End your story with a final moment that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Whether you're writing a thriller, romance, or comedy, consider how these beats could help you craft a story that keeps your audience on the edge of their seat.
