The 7-Point Structure.

Like the 27-point structure and the 3-act structure, the 7-point structure is a simplified version of these. Below are the 7 elements of this structure.

• A hook, to draw the readers in and establish the normal world they live in. Make they interesting, give them the skills they need to defeat the antagonist, and give them something to lose.
• A plot point, or inciting incident, to push them out of their comfort zone and into direct conflict with the antagonists. The protagonist must choose to act, but only after a gentle nudge form the antagonist or antagonistic forces.
• A pinch point to raise the stakes and show us just how hard it will be for our Protagonist to succeed. Show us the true nature of the conflict and antagonist as well as
• A midpoint to turn everything upside down and force the protagonists to take on more agency and begin to direct the action rather than just reacting.
• A second pinch point is what most story structures call the “all is lost” or “dark night of the soul.” Your protagonist is at their lowest point.
• Second Plot Point (the “Ah-ha” moment) where the protagonist finally learns what she/he needed to know to defeat the antagonist.
• Resolution –the protagonist puts what he or she has learned into practice to defeat the antagonist and resolve the main conflict.

The plot structure is often show as a squiggle line showing the peaks and valleys of the protagonist’s journey. But it also can be thought of as a “U” shaped structure.

However, it can be plotted differently. Instead of a lateral organization, this structure is best plotted by picking the desired outcome or Resolution and then choosing a Hook that is the mirror opposite of the resolution. (AKA) make sure the protagonists starts and ends in two different places not unlike a magnet.

Then select the Midpoint at which the character stops reacting to the antagonistic forces and starts to fight back using their own personal set of skills and insights gained from the first half of the story. T

Then plot the two plot points followed by the two pinch points.

Unlike most plot structures, this one doesn’t cater to any one genre and can be used to plot most types of novels.