The Storytelling Blueprint-Rev.4 -...

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The Storytelling Blueprint

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Thank you for connecting and being open to a new perspective.

This visual guide was created to help you craft a story that resonates withreaders by illustrating the plot structure used in best-selling novels.

If you find this visual guide helpful, please shareit using the below buttons.

Table of Contents & thank you

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Section 1: Plot Structure ................... 3 Section 2: Case Studies ....…...………. 6 Section 3: What to Do Next ….……… 13 Section 4: Thanks to the Greats .….. 14

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Protagonist again faces Antagonist, elevated danger & threat is displayed

Captures attention with bold question

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

25%1% 2% 24% 26% 50% 74%63%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

Protagonist uses Enlightenment to conclude Story Goal during 76% - 100%

Protagonist proactively attacks the Story Goal after the Illumination during 51% - 74%

Establishes the Setting, Stakes & Characters during 2% - 24%

Protagonist & Antagonist meet in epic confrontation

Sets into motion the Protagonist’s one unmistakable Story Goal

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

75%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

Protagonist grasps a revelation (a final missing piece) to solve Story Goal

Protagonist meets Antagonist face to face, true threat is showcased

Twist that empowers the Protagonist from reacting to attacking the Story Goal

Protagonist reacts with uncertainty to Story Goal Launch during 26% - 49%

90%76% End37%

section 1: Plot structureIllustrates the overarching Plot Structure used in novels (and screenplays)

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2% 24% 26% 50% 51% 75%1%

internal goal kickoff a.k.a Character Arc: • Begins a psychological growth curve that parallels Protagonist’s Story Goal, serving as a subplot • Internal Goal unfolds Protagonist’s emotional maturation throughout Parts 2, 3 & 4

25%

Part 4

lucidity a.k.a. Resolution:

• Protagonist emerges as hero & concludes Story Goal using acquired courage, brilliance, maturity, creativity, etc

Part 3

proactivity a.k.a. Attack:

• Protagonist charges forward to solve the Story Goal

• Protagonist progresses while still gaining the skill set vital to complete Story Goal

Part 1

status quo a.k.a. Setup:

• Establishes Setting, Characters & Stakes

• Ramps up scenes toward Protagonist’s Story Goal Launch which drives plotline

seize a.k.a. Hook:

• Captures attention with an intriguing question • Creates curiosity, surprise, urgency, conflict, emotion, etc

Part 2

reactivity a.k.a. Caution:

• Protagonist responds to the launched Story Goal

• Protagonist reacts, seeks help, regroups, learns & processes new info, etc

76% End

story Goal Launch a.k.a 1st Plot Point: • Initiates an unmistakable, external mission when Protagonist’s Status Quo is forever disrupted at the end of Part 1, forcing Protagonist to enter Part 2’s Reactivity • Story Goal will regulate the flow of scenes, conflict & plotline throughout Parts 2, 3 & 4

section 1: Plot structureCloser look at the 4 Parts & initial plot milestones inside the Plot Structure used in novels

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Beginning Part 1: Status Quo

Part 2: Reactivity 50% Part 3:

Proactivity37% End

story goal enlightenment a.k.a 2nd Plot Point: • Protagonist sees the light when a final missing piece is revealed at end of part 3’s Proactivity • Final piece equips Protagonist to enter Part 4’s Lucidity & bring Resolution to Story Goal

90%Part 4: Lucidity75%

face time apex a.k.a. Climax:

• Protagonist & Antagonist meet in a final, epic confrontation

• Story Goal is won or lost at

Apex, remainder of Part 4’s

Lucidity reveals the aftermath

internal goal evolution a.k.a Character Peak: • Protagonist reaches Peak of psychological growth curve, securing emotional maturity to conquer past fears & navigate Part 4’s lucidity with wisdom & valor

63%

Face time a.k.a. 1st Pinch:

• Antagonist displays its true essence, power, desires, intellect, wickedness, etc • Protagonist & Antagonist often meet face to face right in the middle of Part 2’s Reactivity

Illumination a.k.a. Midpoint:

• Twist that empowers Protagonist to flip from Reactivity to Proactivity

• Illumination parts the curtain for Protagonist, providing a missing piece

needed to Attack the Story Goal

Face time 2.0 a.k.a. 2nd Pinch:

• Antagonist again displays its true (& increased) power, presence, hunger, intelligence, cruelty, etc

• Protagonist & Antagonist often meet face to face right in the middle of Part 3’s proactivity as well

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section 1: Plot structureCloser look at the remaining plot milestones inside the Plot Structure used in novels

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

89%38%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

25%2% 24% 26% 49% 72%61% 74%73%

Nick's flashback: Amy “doles out punishment” after a driver cuts her off, displaying her cutthroat potential

Nick eerily describes Amy’s head, inside & out

Amy's disappeared, Nick’s looked at as a suspect & the characters/setting of N. Carthage, MO are established

Nick confronts Amy after she returns home bloody but alive

Amy’s diary details she is afraid & she feels she could disappear, Nick will have to prove his innocence

Amy's flashback: Nick gets home after cheating & both showcase their double faced ways & deceit

Amy reveals in a new journal entry that she’s alive & framed Nick for her disappearance & soon, her murder

Amy watches Nick on TV explain he wants her home, he’ll make it all up, he’ll find her & he loves her forever

Nick responds to the new treasure hunt clues, the investigation piles up a mountain of evidence against him & his fake side is exposed

Nick goes on offensive, hires a celebrity lawyer, starts to actually tell the truth, begins to try & win people over & repair his tarnished reputation

Nick’s TV appearance gets Amy home, he navigates her return & the aftermath with precision while deciding both his & Amy’s fate

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section 2: Case Studies — Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

90%38%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

25%2% 24% 26% 51% 75%64% 77%76%

Bella faces danger again as she visits the Cullens house & meets Edward’s family of blood drinking Vampires

Bella gets to know Forks, WA along w/ her father again, new classmates & the mystery of the Cullens family

Bella goes to save her mother & faces James who horribly injures her

Bella faces the dangers of loving someone thirsting her blood when Edward confirms he’s a Vampire

Bella learns she must flee Forks when the Vampire James decides he will hunt & feast upon her blood

Bella learns the rumored history of Vampires in Forks, WA is true as she reacts to her love for Edward & all the dangers he brings into her world

Bella gives everything to her new relationship with Edward as she goes deep into the Vampire world, completely trusts him & confesses her love to him

Bella runs from the hunter, James, & tries to sacrifice her life for her mother, survives b/c of Edward & she saves him from loneliness at end

Jacob tells Bella that Edward & his family may be cold ones (Vampires), this launches her to explore/pursue him

Bella sees Edward’s skin sparkle in the sun & witnesses his true power which prompts their love to strengthen & solidify

Bella faces the hunter moving forward to kill her

section 2: Case Studies — Twilight by Stephenie MeyerClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

91%39%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

19%2% 18% 20% 49% 72%62% 74%73%

Katniss again faces the death & pain of the Games as she watches Rue die & shoots a tribute (her 1st official kill)

Katniss, her sister (Primrose), Peeta & all characters are set up along with places like District 12 & The Capitol

Katniss & Peeta face off against Cato, wolf- like mutants & The Capitol

Katniss enters the Cornucopia, faces all 23 tributes & finally meets the horror of the 74th Hunger Games

Peeta needs meds as Claudius tells all tributes that whatever’s needed most will be waiting at the Cornucopia

Katniss reacts to her new surroundings & impending death as she learns Game strategy & then responds to actually participating in The 74th Hunger Games

Katniss goes aggressive when she partners with Rue to take down the Career tributes & unites with Peeta while believing they can both actually win

After Peeta is healed, Katniss & he finish the Games by defeating the remaining tributes, wolf- like mutants & eventually outsmart The Capitol

Katniss realizes even Peeta wants to win the Games so she commits to play & engages by kissing his cheek

Rue reveals herself as an ally to Katniss when she points out a wasp nest, Katniss will use it to attack the Career tributes

Katniss awakens in a cold bed on day of reaping

section 2: Case Studies — The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

93%37%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

26%2% 25% 27% 48% 76%68% 78%77%

Reacher & Teale meet again, Teale threatens to have him arrested but Reacher warns he’ll kick Teale’s butt

Reacher’s arrested in a local diner for murder

Reacher wants to leave Margrave, GA but must prove his innocence in a homicide investigation

Reacher meets Teale in a gunfight where four hostages must be saved

Reacher commits to stay in town & solve the murders when he learns the second victim was his brother

Reacher meets Mayor Grover Teale face to face & he encourages Reacher to leave town & stay away

Reacher realizes his dead brother told him where to find the final clue, in the A/C boxes at Stoller’s garage

Reacher follows clues his brother left behind, discovers key info & new deaths in town while learning to trust Officer Rosco & Detective Finley

Reacher neutralizes the people trying to kill him, teams up with Rosco & Finley to pursue all leads & uncover what’s really happening in Margrave

Reacher & Finley now know all the players & must takedown the money operation & rescue Rosco, Hubble’s wife & two kids

Reacher uncovers Hubble's not clean, he’s a full-time crook & he’s central to the multi-billion dollar counterfeiting scam

section 2: Case Studies — Killing Floor by Lee ChildClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

92%36%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

24%2% 23% 25% 49% 79%60% 81%80%

Odd faces Fungus Man again but he’s dead, meaning his ghost was at the church & there’s more than one killer

Odd’s life is unusual, seeing dead people & such

Odd Thomas, Stormy, Chief Porter, Fungus Man & bodachs are introduced along with the city of Pico Mundo.

Odd faces and stops the killers at the mall but not before deaths occur

Odd learns the Fungus Man has plans to commit mass murder on August 15th, Odd must stop him

Fungus Man finds & pursues Odd & Stormy at St. Bart’s church where the Fungus Man ends up vandalizing it

Odd reveals he was the worst kind of fool on the night of Aug. 15th & it forever changed him, leaving wounds & suffering

Odd realizes as he’s talking to his dad what must be done to finish it all, he must go see his mother

Odd responds to the news that the Fungus Man is planning to commit mass murder by roaming Pico Mundo in search of clues and how to stop them

Odd aggressively pursues the identity of the 2nd killer after Chief Porter is shot & Stormy becomes overly concerned, propelling Odd to step up his game

Odd uses the gun he got from his mother to stop the killers, disarms a bomb, gets shot and deals with the horrific repercussions & death

section 2: Case Studies — Odd Thomas by Dean KoontzClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

86%37%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

25%2% 24% 26% 49% 72%63% 74%73%

Classmates expand their discrimination toward Auggie when they scorn & outcast Jack for remaining friends with Auggie

Auggie’s life/family is introduced along with the social challenges his face brings as he attends school for the first time

Auggie & Jack face off against the scariest bullies yet, 7th graders

Via makes Auggie face how his class- mates demeaned him, Auggie makes Via face her own issues w/ Miranda

After the family dog (Daisy) dies, Auggie witnesses his Dad “whisper-crying” & puts himself to bed for first time ever

Auggie’s sister, Via, gives her perspective living in his shadow, Summer’s & Jack’s point of views are shared as they discover Auggie’s a great person

Jack begins making things right with Auggie, Justin (Via’s boyfriend) gives his perspective & Aug. begins to accept his situation: plague, hearing aids & all

Auggie steps up: Goes on first ever sleepover, sticks up for himself, becomes accepted at school, earns a medal & illuminates with Wonder

August, a 10 yr. old boy, has a face like no other

Auggie’s destroyed when his best class- mate(Jack) secretly ridicules him, Aug. must survive school yr. & discrimination

Jack realizes it was Auggie who wore the Bleeding Scream on Halloween & Auggie heard everything he said about Aug’s face

section 2: Case Studies — Wonder by R.J. Palacio Click HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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End

Part 1

status quoa.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Caution

Part 3

proactivitya.k.a.

Attack

Part 4

Luciditya.k.a.

Resolution

1%

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point

90%37%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

26%2% 25% 27% 49% 75%66% 77%76%

Thomas awakes in darkness, knowing only his name

Maze doors do not shut at sundown, Grievers enter the Glade, Thomas & all characters face Grievers this time

Thomas gets to know the people, rules & environment of the Glade & he learns the Maze’s life or death stakes

Gladers face 12+ Grievers in Maze so Thomas can drop down the Griever Hole

Thomas commits to his desire to become a Runner so he can find a way to escape the Maze

Thomas faces 4 Grievers in the Maze, witnessing their monstrous slug-like bodies for the 1st time

Thomas learns from Teresa(telepathically) that no more kids are coming, it will all end soon and the Maze is all their fault

Thomas realizes he must get bit by a Griever to regain his memories & crack the code to escape the Maze

Thomas breaks the #1 rule helping 2 Runners, instinctively survives a night in the Maze, serves jail time & regroups to learn how to be a Runner

Thomas promises Chuck that he will get him home to his parents, propelling Thomas to crack the puzzle of the Maze so they can all escape

Thomas awakens from Changing w/ memories, convinces everyone the Maze is a trial & leads them to escape through the Griever Hole

section 2: Case Studies — The Maze Runner by James DashnerClick HERE if you'd like to skip straight to Section 3: What To Do Next

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1. Validate Plot structure. Grab your favorite novel, do the math, and check to see if its plot milestones fall near the appropriate percentage markers.

2. Write. You need to practice the craft, but create with Plot structure in mind because its proven framework can help you give readers the pivotal moments they’re expecting in a story.

3. Do you know any friends who you think could benefit from this Blueprint?

If so, please share this visual guide using the below buttons because you might be helping them create the story they’ve always wanted to write.

section 3: What to do next

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section 4: Thanks to the greats

14Copyright © DavidVillalva.com 2016 • All Rights Reserved

This visual guide exists because of the master storytellers who served as my virtual mentors, so I’d like to thank them.

First, thanks to Syd Field for Screenplay. You introduced me to plot structure in 2001.

Thanks to Larry Brooks for Story Engineering. You reintroduced me to plot structure, opened my eyes again, and inspired my first visual guide in 2011.

Thanks to James Scott Bell for Plot & Structure. You exposed the big lie,and propelled me to keep writing.

And thanks to every writer who shares their words with the world. You showcase how stories and the craft can impact lives.

Thank you,

David Villalva Lucid Storyteller

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