Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Creative Writing > Story Structure > Flashcards

Story Structure Flashcards

1
Q

What is the purpose of structure in fiction?

A

To help the reader follow along.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What analogy is used to explain the importance of structure?

A

A building with a foundation can have inventive architecture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How can a structured poem still be creative?

A

It can be beautiful and original.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What can a story with solid structure achieve?

A

It can be artistic and groundbreaking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How did Janci Patterson describe Save the Cat?

A

Mostly obnoxious, but the beat sheet was gold.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What should you do if a structural tool doesn’t work for you?

A

Throw it away.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the first act in a three-act structure?

A

The set-up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the purpose of the opening image?

A

To grab the reader and set the tone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

When should the theme of a story be established?

A

Early in the set-up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How do themes work best, according to Patterson?

A

When they grow organically.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why is a set-up crucial in storytelling?

A

It shows everything that needs to change by the end of the story.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What happens if the winning conditions aren’t clear?

A

The story will feel random.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What should you do if your ending doesn’t align with your set-up?

A

Rewrite the set-up.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the inciting event?

A

A catalyst that forces the character out of equilibrium.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What happens during the debate?

A

The character considers the consequences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What marks the first act break?

A

The character makes a decision they can’t take back.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What book demonstrates tessellated structure?

A

The Way of Kings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What should the middle of a story deliver?

A

The premise of the story, such as monster hunting or spying.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How can contrast enhance the middle of a story?

A

By letting the reader experience highs and lows.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the protagonist’s role in the finale?

A

To solve the story’s problem with tools gained from the B-story.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What should the closing image show?

A

The change brought about by the story.

22
Q

When can you break storytelling rules?

A

Purposefully, to achieve specific effects.

23
Q

Can story beats appear across genres and mediums?

A

Yes, even across cultures.

24
Q

What’s the good news if you’ve made a mess of your story?

A

Revision is a thing.

25
Q

What should you do if your finale feels rushed?

A

Find ways to draw out the tension.

26
Q

How can you fix an abrupt ending?

A

Add a final image to savor the victory.

27
Q

What does a trilogy arc typically include?

A

Story arcs for each book and the series as a whole.

28
Q

What is the scene and sequel model?

A

Goal, conflict, disaster > reaction, deliberation, decision > repeat.

29
Q

Why are balanced action and reaction scenes important?

A

To keep the story engaging without exhausting the reader.

30
Q

How do microgoals help in storytelling?

A

They break the overarching goal into manageable pieces.

31
Q

What’s an easy solution for fixing a problem in your story?

A

Ask, ‘Can I just cut it?’

32
Q

What are the four types of reactions for a POV character?

A

Internal feelings, inner thoughts, deliberate actions, and dialogue.

33
Q

What happens if there are too few emotional beats?

A

The story lacks emotion.

34
Q

What is an example of a unique beat for a magic system?

A

Burning metals in Mistborn.

35
Q

How can beats be upgraded during revisions?

A

Start with lower hierarchies and improve them.

36
Q

How can you make a character interesting?

A

Make them the opposite of what they need to succeed.

37
Q

How can fear shape a character’s journey?

A

Make their greatest fear happen.

38
Q

What should you do with a character’s perceived needs?

A

Make them the worst thing that could happen.

39
Q

How can other characters help the main character grow?

A

Give them qualities the protagonist needs but doesn’t have.

40
Q

What do stories often mimic?

A

Growth patterns in real life.

41
Q

What happens when readers get bored?

A

They notice flaws in the story.

42
Q

How is writing like being a magician?

A

Writers can’t fully enjoy others’ tricks.

43
Q

How can a trilogy pattern extend into a longer series?

A

By continuing the bump and story arc structure.

44
Q

What is the ‘fun and games’ section of a story?

A

A time to deliver on the story’s premise.

45
Q

How does contrast enhance a story?

A

By letting readers taste bitterness to better appreciate sweetness.

46
Q

What happens if action/reaction scenes are unbalanced?

A

Readers may feel too tense or bored.

47
Q

Why do people read stories?

A

They assume cooperation and purpose.

48
Q

How can you keep readers motivated?

A

By maintaining clear goals and stakes.

49
Q

How can cutting scenes improve your story?

A

It removes unnecessary elements and clarifies the narrative.

50
Q

What does storytelling often reflect?

A

Real-life growth processes.

Creative Writing (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions