Below is a 3-act novel outline; just copy and paste it, then fill it in. For more information on what these terms mean, visit this website.

Act One

• Hook
• Inciting Incident
• Key Event (Call to Action)
• Refusal to Call
• Key Event (End of Act 1, thrusts character out of “normal world,” everything changes, stakes are made apparent):

Act Two

• First Half (recovery from Key Event)
• Midpoint/Second Plot Point (50%):
• Second Half (50-75%):

 Act Three

• Third Plot Point (75%)

• Climax (conflict is resolved; 90%):
• Resolution (leaves door closed but unlatched, only 1-2 scenes, 95%):

1. Exposition: Also known as the introduction or Act I, exposition sets up the setting, main characters, and the atmosphere of the story. Exposition also informs the reader or viewer about each character’s backstory and how they relate to each other. The most important element of this first act is a suggestion of the story’s primary conflict through an exciting or compelling event, which is also known as the exciting force or inciting incident. In Freytag’s Pyramid, the exposition is the structure’s lowest part on the left.

2. Rising action: In Act II in Freytag’s Pyramid, which he labeled the “rising movement,” the story builds toward its central conflict by placing obstacles in the path of the protagonists as they attempt to reach their goals. The action rises further with the introduction of new characters—the primary antagonist and other adversaries who further complicate matters for the other characters. Rising action is the middle left portion of the pyramid, just above exposition.

3. Climax: Signals a turning point and occupies the highest point on the plot structure. The climax foreshadows the fate of the main character and the series of events that will lead to their success or failure. These series of events, which form the second half of the story are also known as the counterplay, and represent those external factors created by the main character’s choices that impact them in the remainder of the story.

4. Falling action: Foreshadows the final outcome of the story. The conflict between the protagonists and antagonists will soon reach a conclusion, but Freytag also notes that a successful drama will also feature a sense of “final suspense”—a possibility that the conclusion may not end as expected.

5. Denouement: Also known as the resolution, conclusion, or moment of catastrophe. The end of the story, which can be a happy ending (protagonist achieves goals) or tragic (protagonist fails, suffers loss, etc.). Writers tie up loose ends in the denouement and provide audiences with a moment of catharsis—a series of events that allows the tension of the story to dissipate. The lowest right side of the pyramid, just below the falling action arc, is the location of the denouement.

1. The Hook: a compelling introduction to the story’s intriguing world and/or characters
2. Plot Turn 1: an inciting incident that brings the protagonist into an adventure
3. Pinch 1: the stakes are raised with the introduction of the antagonist or the major conflict
4. Midpoint: a turning point in the story where the protagonist goes from reaction to action
5. Pinch 2: the major conflict takes a turn for the worse, and all appears lost for the protagonist
6. Plot Turn 2: the protagonist discovers something that helps them resolve the major conflict or defeat the antagonist
7. Resolution: the major conflict is resolved, and the antagonist is defeated.

Here’s an overview of the steps on the hero's journey:

1. The Ordinary World. We meet our hero.
2. Call to Adventure. Will they meet the challenge?
3. Refusal of the Call. They resist the adventure.
4. Meeting the Mentor. A teacher arrives.
5. Crossing the First Threshold. The hero leaves their comfort zone.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies. Making friends and facing roadblocks.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave. Getting closer to our goal.
8. Ordeal. The hero’s biggest test yet!
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword). Light at the end of the tunnel
10. The Road Back. We aren’t safe yet.
11. Resurrection. The final hurdle is reached.
12. Return with the Elixir. The hero heads home, triumphant