Story Structure

All stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. However, different types of stories use these elements in different ways.

In most stories, the main character or characters are introduced at the beginning, as is the location. The first parts of the plot also tend to included in the beginning to get the reader interested in what is about to happen. The beginning of a story must be 'snappy': you need to get your reader interested straight away or they won't carry on reading. Your first sentence should say something about one of the characters, usually the main one, or about the place where the characters are. By the end of the first paragraph, the reader should know who, what and where the story is about.

The middle is the main, longest part of a story, and is where you really develop the plot by taking your characters through a series of events. You should try to make these events interesting or even surprising: your readers will get bored if they can predict what is going to happen next.

The end of a story is what leaves a lasting impression on your reader, and should be short and powerful. It is usually composed of the last and most important event of the plot, and also needs to bring the story to a satisfying end. There are few things more annoying than reading a story and then being let down at the end, so make sure your ending is the best bit!