Corey Ostman
After spending three decades writing science fiction for machines, he now writes science fiction for humans. His brain is almost entirely in the future, so if you encounter him, you’re likely experiencing a form of temporal rift.
Storytelling
The 12 Acts Structure (Novel Clock)
- Level:
- Beginner
- Lessons:
- 14 Lessons
- Reading Time
- 52 min read
Ever feel like your story is a bit of a mess? Like you want your character to do something but you’re not sure when to do it? Or maybe you’re not sure how to take the reader on a journey that they want to read? Well, fear not!
The 12 Acts are here to give your story structure, put your reader on an emotional rollercoaster, and most importantly, make the story impossible to stop reading.
For movies, each of the acts is roughly ten minutes long. For novels, each act is three or more chapters. When reduced to a short story, each act can be a single beat.
Section 2
Outline
1
Act 0: The Hand of the Villain
Set the stage for your story with Act 0, a sneak peek into the trouble brewing in your world.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
2
Act 1: Welcome
Lay the foundation for your story with Act 1, where we meet the protagonist
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
3
Act 2: The Car Crash
Shake things up for your characters in Act 2, also known as 'The Car Crash.'
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
4
Act 3: The New Normal
After the car crash, it's time for your protagonist to face the music in Act 3, even if they're in deep denial.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
5
Act 4: The Wilderness
It's time for inaction and reflection for your protagonist. They're untethered, unsure of their next move. But don't worry, it's all part of the journey!
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
6
Act 5: The Plan
Your characters are hatching a plan to tackle whatever mess they've found themselves in.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
7
Act 6: We Were Wrong
Things go sideways, the protagonist's plan falls apart, and they glimpse the face of doom. It's time to regroup and reconsider.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
8
Act 7: Try, Try Again
After their plan falls apart spectacularly, your characters try again with a few tweaks. But is that really enough?
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
9
Act 8: The False Win
Your protagonist has been through the wringer. They've failed, they've struggled, they've probably broken down at least once. But now, finally, things are looking up! This is Act 8, the moment when it seems like your character has won.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
10
Act 9: The Pit of Despair
Your protagonist has hit rock bottom. All hope seems lost, and the antagonist appears unbeatable. Welcome to the pit of despair, where everything falls apart—but also where true transformation begins.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
11
Act 10: The Epiphany
In the darkest moment, a light shines through. Act 10 is where your protagonist finally understands the truth they've been avoiding all along. Get ready for the transformative power of epiphany.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
12
Act 11: The New Approach
Armed with new wisdom, your protagonist puts their transformation into action. Act 11 is where they prove that real change isn't just about understanding—it's about doing things differently, even when it's hard.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
13
Act 12: The End
The finale is here! Act 12 shows how your protagonist's transformation ripples through their world, proving that endings are really just new beginnings. Learn how to craft a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers changed too.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
This course is taught by: