Story Structure & Character Arc Alignment Chart

Are you a character-driven writer instead of a plot-driven writer? Have you wondered how your protagonist’s character arc can parallel the basic building blocks of story structure (Acts I / II / III, Inciting Incident, etc.)? The Story Structure & Structure-Arc Alignment Chart can help! Created as part of the Character Evolution Files, this Alignment Chart shows the 10 stages of a positive character arc and how they compare to the three-act story structure and other important plot points. You might find both “sides” have more in common that you may have thought! Please note that the Alignment Chart is more of a visual accompaniment or guide than a worksheet. If you’d like to learn more about each individual stage of the character arc, check out the Character Evolution Files’ series Journey Through the Character Arc, starting with File No. 03, which covers the Trigger / Inciting Incident. Instructions: Print out or download a copy of this chart (which starts on the next page). Refer to it as needed while reading the Journey Through the Character Arc series. You may also use this to help construct your own character arc(s).

Stage Name of Name of Approx. Location Significance In Significance in No. in Stage in Stage in in Story Plot Character Arc Story Character Story (Percentage of Journey Arc Structure Word / Page Count)** 1 Trigger Inciting First 2 or 3 chapters, Introduces the protagonist and Sparks the protagonist’s arc by Incident or at the story’s 10% draws him into the main conflict. bringing him face to face with his mark false belief. Launches him (NOTE: In terms of toward his first dilemma / major story structure, the decision. inciting incident is part of Act I.) 2 Comfort Zone Act I First 25% of the story Introduces the protagonist’s Shows the protagonist clinging to world / current situation and his false belief. Provides insight possible antagonist(s). Also to the reader on how the shows the protagonist’s initial protagonist can grow and attempts to adjust to Stage 1. change. 3 Point of No First Major Plot The story’s 25% mark Defines the story goal, stakes, Forces the protagonist to make a Return Point / End of and obstacles. Fully brings the decision that changes things Act I antagonist(s) into the fray. forever (or gives him no choice). Helps him realize he might need to let go of his false belief in order to succeed. 4 Struggle Act II, First Second 25% of the Shows the protagonist’s Shows the protagonist resisting Half story (from 25% response to Stage 3. Includes initial attempts to change. through 50%) reminders of the antagonist(s) Presents him with information, and adds more conflict. skills, etc. he needs to envision life without his false belief.

Stage Name of Name of Approx. Location Significance In Significance in No. in Stage in Stage in in Story Plot Character Arc Story Character Story (Percentage of Journey Arc Structure Word / Page Count)** 5 Revelation Midpoint / The story’s 50% mark Presents a new event that calls Marks the protagonist’s switch Second Major for new decisions, actions, or from reacting to acting. Teaches Plot Point awareness from the protagonist. him why the opposite truth to his Reinforces the story goal and false belief is important, and stakes. compels him to take the first step in the right direction. 6 Charge Act II, Second Third 25% of the Shows the protagonist changing Shows the protagonist feeling Half story (from 50% course in his approach to empowered and taking more through 75%) obstacles. Offers reminders of actions to shed his false belief. the antagonist(s), or increases build-up for next showdown with the antagonist(s). 7 Dark Night of Third Major The story’s 75% mark Presents a final setback (event Forces the protagonist to the Soul Plot Point / or new information) that throws confront his false belief again, End of Act II the protagonist off-guard and and to finally choose between prompts him to make another the false belief and the opposite decision. May have an “all-hope- truth. is-lost” ambiance. (NOTE: In a positive arc, the protagonist usually chooses the truth.) 8 Aftermath Act III, First From 75% through Shows the protagonist preparing Shows the protagonist coming to Half 90% for a final showdown with the terms with his decision to throw antagonist(s) and any results or away his false belief. fallout from Stage 7.

Stage Name of Name of Approx. Location Significance In Significance in No. in Stage in Stage in in Story Plot Character Arc Story Character Story (Percentage of Journey Arc Structure Word / Page Count)** 9 Moment of Climax From 90% through Presents the final confrontation Shows the protagonist taking Truth (Act III, Third 95% between the protagonist and the what he learned during the story Quarter) antagonist(s). and using it to prove he has (NOTE: In most positive arcs, changed. the protagonist defeats the antagonist(s).) 10 Emergence Resolution / From 95% through Shows the results and/or Offers further evidence that the End of Story the end consequences of Stage 9. protagonist has changed, and a (Act III, Final glimpse into his new life now that Quarter) he has let go of his false belief.

** Please note that these values are approximate, and may vary slightly from story to story. However, keeping as close to these values as possible can help ensure steady, consistent pacing in your story.