Story Spine

Beginning

Establishes characters, place, time, and the status quo of the world.

Event

A moment that disrupts the status quo, leading to a crisis.

Middle

The section that explores the consequences of the event for characters and the world.

Climax

The turning point that sets the resolution in motion and resolves the crisis.

Resolution

The conclusion that shows how things have changed after the climax.

"Once upon a time…"

The phrase that introduces the beginning of a story.

"And every day…"

A phrase that indicates the routine or status quo in the beginning.

"Until one day…"

A phrase that signifies the event that disrupts the routine.

"Because of that…"

A phrase used to show the consequences in the middle of the story.

"Until finally…"

A phrase that leads to the climax of the story.

"And ever since then…"

A phrase that indicates the resolution and the new status quo.