The Develop Workspace

Plotting Agents

• Introduction
• Subtxt and Templates of Storytelling
• Filtering Meaning through a Template
• A Treatment for Everyone Else
• The More Detail, The Better
• Storytelling Templates
• The 28 Key Moments of a Complete Story
• Plotting with Popular Story Structure Templates
  • 2010s Story Structure
  • 2000s Story Structure
  • 1990s Story Structure
  • 1980s Story Structure
  • University-style Story Structure
  • Sequenced Approach to Novel Structure

Introduction

Plotting Agents are designed to save you a ton of time when it comes to putting together your final treatment. Based in large part around popular paradigms of story sequencing, these Agents will do the heavy lifting of organizing all the work you've done so far in Subtxt.

Subtxt and Templates of Storytelling

Subtxt is definitively objective, unlike other more popular story structure "templates" which are subjective interpretations of story structure.

By subjective, we mean Audience-based and experiential. By objective, we mean Author-based and intentional. You can layer any arrangement of sequences from a subjectively-biased story structure template onto a Storyform developed in Subtxt, and the story's intent remains the same.

You can see this at work by simply selecting one of the Plotting Agents and viewing the results of the completed outline. While the superficial boundaries of "Chapter" and "Sequence" may have changed, the underlying meaning of the story remains the same.

Select another template and again, evaluate the results: same story, different wrapping.

The dividing lines between the "moments" of a story (Sequences, Scenes, Chapters, etc.) are arbitrary and ultimately meaningless when it comes to a story's inherent resonance. You can take any narrative developed with Subtxt (Four Throughlines) and filter it through any of these templates and the impact of your story will remain the same in every case.

Filtering Meaning through a Template

When you choose to plot with a template, Subtxt does not alter the storytelling work you have already done. Instead, the feature creates Moments in each Act that match the chosen template and weaves your existing work into those Moments.

For instance, in the 2000s Story Structure template, the Turning Point correlates with the middle (third) Story Driver. If that Driver exists, Subtxt creates a Moment titled "Turning Point" and attaches the Story Driver to that Moment.

Similarly, the "Subplot Introduction" found in the 2000s Story Structure template, which attempts to describe the Relationship Story Throughline, is plotted before the final Story Driver of Act One in Subtxt to maintain narrative integrity.

The template also has sequences such as "Adventures and Trials" that are less clearly defined. In these cases, Subtxt creates a Moment with the corresponding title and weaves Transits and Progressions into a potential order within that Moment. You, as the Author, can then rearrange these Storybeats as needed.

A Treatment for Everyone Else

This feature is designed to help you present your narrative in a familiar and digestible pattern to your agent, editor, writing group, or friends who might not understand the intricacies of a Storyform. It allows you to focus more on what truly matters: writing your story.

The More Detail, the Better

Many of our Plotting Agents, particularly the Key Moments Agent, thrive on detailed story development. These agents are designed to work with in-depth breakdowns of your story's progression. If you've segmented your Overall Story (OS) Transits into detailed Progressions, you're in for a treat! This level of detail enables the Plotting Agents to generate all 28 Key Moments, adding depth and complexity to your narrative.

However, if your story is yet to be broken down into these Progressions, don't worry. Our system is designed to adapt. While not every Key Moment may be filled out in such cases, this doesn't detract from the overall completeness of your story. In fact, storytelling is an art that doesn't strictly adhere to a set formula. The absence of certain Moments doesn't imply an incomplete story. It's simply a different approach to narrative construction.

Remember, these Moments and the sequencing provided by the Plotting Agents are not definitive markers of a complete story. They are tools to enhance and explore the dimensions of your narrative.

Storytelling Templates

Story Structure templates are of their time and exist usually as the work of one individual. Their personal "subjective" appreciation of structure matches that of any Audience member--they just happened to gain more attention for the approachability of their work.

The storytelling templates available to you in Subtxt are:

• The 28 Key Moments
• 2010s Story Structure
• 2000s Story Structure
• 1990s Story Structure
• 1980s Story Structure
• University-style Story Structure
• Sequenced Approach to Novel Structure

These Plotting Agents are designed to enhance your story, particularly when detailed Progressions are used. While our Key Moments agent optimally utilizes these detailed breakdowns to generate all 28 Key Moments, it's not essential that you have all of these Progressions illustrated for a complete story. Whether your narrative is fully detailed or more broadly sketched, the Plotting Agents adapt to your storytelling style, ensuring richness and depth without being restrictive.

The 28 Key Moments of a Complete Story

Here, you'll find a Subtxt-specific approach to storytelling sequencing that marries logic and emotion, helping you develop all Four Throughlines of your story in a balanced and evocative way. Unlike many plotting templates that focus only on plot progression or character arcs, the 28 Key Moments approach is holistic, embracing the multifaceted nature of storytelling.

The 28 Key Moments of a Complete Story are part of a comprehensive template that outlines the pivotal moments in a compelling narrative. This sequence provides a roadmap for authors, guiding them through the intricate process of storytelling.

From the initial catalyst that sparks the story into motion, through escalating tensions, personal challenges, and game-changing events, to the final revelations and resolutions, each moment serves a crucial role in the narrative's progression.

This journey is not just about the events that unfold, but also about the characters' personal growth, their relationships, and the emotional undercurrents that drive them. This template serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to creating a story that is both logically consistent and emotionally compelling.

1. "The Catalyst Event" - This is the initial event that sets the story in motion, introducing the main conflict and the characters involved.
2. "Setting the Stage" - Here, the characters and their world are further developed, and the main conflict begins to take shape.
3. "The Personal Challenge" - The main character is introduced to their personal conflict, which will challenge their beliefs and values throughout the story.
4. "Rising Tensions" - The main conflict intensifies, creating tension and uncertainty.
5. "Enter the Provocateur" - The obstacle character is introduced, presenting a challenge to the main character and adding complexity to the main conflict.
6. "The Emotional Undercurrent" - The relationship story begins to unfold, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
7. "Aftermath and Adjustments" - The characters react to the escalating conflict, adjusting their strategies and approaches.
8. "The Game Changer" - A significant event occurs that changes the course of the story, often increasing the stakes and tension.
9. "Defying the Path to Growth" - The main character resists the changes and challenges they need to face in order to grow.
10. "The Collective Endeavor" - The characters work together towards a common goal, further developing the main conflict.
11. "Turning Up the Pressure" - The obstacle character increases the pressure on the main character, intensifying their personal conflict.
12. "Navigating the Maze" - The characters face a series of challenges and obstacles, testing their resolve and abilities.
13. "Unspoken Tensions" - The relationship story deepens, revealing unspoken tensions and emotions.
14. "The Terms of Engagement" - The characters establish the rules and boundaries of their conflict, setting the stage for future confrontations.
15. "The Midpoint Shift" - A significant event occurs that shifts the direction of the story, often marking the halfway point of the narrative.
16. "Emerging Challenges" - New challenges arise that complicate the main conflict and test the characters' resolve.
17. "A Tender Connection" - The relationship story deepens, revealing a tender connection between the characters.
18. "Escalating Tensions" - The main conflict intensifies, leading to heightened tension and uncertainty.
19. "The Nudge into the Abyss" - The obstacle character pushes the main character towards a critical decision or action, often leading to a crisis.
20. "Facing Dire Consequences" - The characters face the consequences of their actions, often leading to a low point in the narrative.
21. "Plunging into Darkness" - The main character faces their darkest moment, testing their resolve and character.
22. "The Game-Changing Event" - A significant event occurs that changes the course of the story, often leading to the climax of the narrative.
23. "The Point of No-Return" - The characters reach a point where they can no longer avoid the main conflict, leading to the climax of the story.
24. "One Last Push" - The obstacle character makes a final attempt to thwart the main character, leading to the climax of their personal conflict.
25. "The Final Confrontation" - The characters face off in a final confrontation, resolving the main conflict.
26. "Transcendence: The Final Revelation" - The main character experiences a final revelation, leading to personal growth and change.
27. "The Dust Settles: A New Dawn" - The aftermath of the main conflict is revealed, showing how the characters and their world have changed.
28. "Heartfelt Evolution: A New Direction" - The relationship story concludes, revealing how the characters' relationship has evolved and where it is headed.

Plotting with Popular Story Structure Templates

Popular Story Structures are trendy and tend to shift every decade, so we've organized them accordingly. Popularity is typically a sign of generality and convenience--and the list below of storytelling paradigms are no exception. Information on the various Moments found within each template can be found elsewhere. We've also included some structures that exist outside of these trends to provide a comprehensive toolkit for writers.

What’s important to understand here is that these structures are essentially interchangeable; you can use any one of them, swap it out with another, and your story's meaning to the audience will remain the same. With Subtxt, however, the approach is different. Swap out one Storypoint or Storybeat, and all the others will need to shift to align with your new thematic focus.

Each story structure marks stages of growth using different terminology, making them ultimately transferable and meaningful to those who find value in organizing their stories this way. There are countless ways to frame a narrative through these subjectively-biased templates. If you don't see your favorite template here, you can always ask Muse to organize your Storybeats by copying and pasting your preferred structure, and Muse will do the rest of the work.

2010s Story Structure

Inspired by a popular narrative framework from the early 21st century, this structure guides you through eight key stages of transformation and self-discovery. Influenced by a cyclical journey model, it focuses on character growth and plot development, helping create a cohesive and compelling narrative.

Below are the 8 key stages of the 2010s Story Structure:

1. Everyday Life: Introduce the protagonist in their familiar, comfortable world.
2. Desire for Change: The protagonist feels a need or desire that prompts them to leave their comfort zone.
3. Venturing Out: The protagonist embarks on a journey or steps into a new environment.
4. Learning the Ropes: The protagonist faces new challenges and learns to navigate the unfamiliar setting.
5. Achieving the Goal: The protagonist attains their objective or what they set out to find.
6. Facing Consequences: The protagonist encounters the costs or repercussions of achieving their goal.
7. Return to Familiar Ground: The protagonist heads back to their original world.
8. Transformation Realized: The protagonist returns home changed, with new insights or personal growth.

2000s Story Structure

The 2000s Story Structure is inspired by a popular method from the early 21st century that helped writers organize their narratives simply. Known for its clear, memorable steps and a strong focus on character transformation, this structure assists storytellers in crafting engaging stories. By breaking down the narrative into 15 distinct beats, it guides the storyteller in weaving together various story elements into a single, unified presentation. This method emphasizes the importance of both plot progression and character development, ensuring that each story beat serves to advance the narrative while deepening the audience’s connection to the characters.

Below are the 15 key beats of the 2000s Story Structure:

1. Initial Snapshot: A glimpse into the world before the story begins.
2. Core Message Revealed: The underlying theme or message hinted at early on.
3. Foundation Laid: Introduction of characters, setting, and the initial situation.
4. Inciting Event: The event that kickstarts the main action or conflict.
5. Inner Conflict: The protagonist's struggle with the decision to move forward.
6. New Path Chosen: The protagonist decides to take on the challenge and steps into a new world or situation.
7. Subplot Introduction: Introduction of secondary characters or subplots that support the main story.
8. Adventures and Trials: The main part of the story where the protagonist faces various challenges and enjoys some successes.
9. Turning Point: A significant event that changes the direction of the story, often involving a major victory or defeat.
10. Increasing Pressure: Obstacles and antagonists become more formidable, pushing the protagonist to their limits.
11. Major Setback: The protagonist faces a significant defeat or loss, appearing as though all hope is gone.
12. Moment of Despair: The protagonist's lowest point, filled with self-doubt and reflection.
13. Final Plan: The protagonist finds new resolve and formulates a plan to overcome the final obstacles.
14. Climactic Struggle: The protagonist faces the ultimate challenge, leading to the story’s climax.
15. Resolution Snapshot: A contrasting image to the opening, showing how the protagonist and the world have changed.

1990s Story Structure

The 1990s Story Structure takes inspiration from a comprehensive narrative framework that gained traction in the late 20th century. Known for its detailed approach and focus on character development, this structure guides writers in crafting complex and compelling stories. By breaking down the narrative into 22 key steps, it helps storytellers create a rich and dynamic plot that emphasizes both external action and internal transformation. This method ensures that each story beat contributes to the overall narrative, making it engaging and thought-provoking.

Below are the 22 key steps of the 1990s Story Structure:

1. Inner Discovery: The protagonist realizes a fundamental truth about themselves.
2. Core Motivation: The protagonist's internal need and external desire are established.
3. Past Haunts: The protagonist's backstory and the world they inhabit are revealed.
4. Flaws and Needs: The protagonist's weaknesses and what they need to overcome them are introduced.
5. Catalyst: An event that disrupts the protagonist's life and sets the story in motion.
6. Goal Set: The protagonist's specific goal or objective is defined.
7. Support System: Introduction of characters who assist the protagonist.
8. Antagonist or Puzzle: The main opposition or central mystery the protagonist faces.
9. New Insight and Plan: The protagonist gains new insight, leading to a change in their approach.
10. Strategy Formed: The protagonist develops a strategy to achieve their goal.
11. Conflict Deepens: The antagonist's plan becomes clear, and they counter the protagonist's actions.
12. Determined Pursuit: The protagonist pursues their goal with increased determination.
13. Betrayal or Challenge: The protagonist faces a setback or betrayal from an ally.
14. False Failure: The protagonist appears to be defeated or experiences a significant setback.
15. Renewed Resolve: The protagonist has a moment of clarity and renews their efforts with a revised goal.
16. Insight for Audience: Key information is revealed to the audience, heightening the story's stakes.
17. Final Insight: The protagonist gains final critical insight leading to the climax.
18. Ultimate Challenge: The protagonist faces the ultimate challenge, risking everything.
19. Confrontation: The protagonist engages in the final confrontation with the antagonist.
20. Moment of Truth: The protagonist's ultimate self-revelation occurs, often leading to a transformation.
21. Ethical Choice: The protagonist makes a significant moral decision affecting the outcome.
22. Restored Balance: The story concludes with a new balance or order established.

1980s Story Structure

The 1980s Story Structure draws inspiration from a classic narrative framework that gained prominence in the late 20th century. Known for its archetypal journey and transformative character arc, this structure guides writers in crafting epic and emotionally resonant stories. By breaking down the narrative into 12 distinct stages, it helps storytellers weave a cohesive tale of adventure and personal growth. This method emphasizes the protagonist's journey through challenges and transformations, ensuring a compelling and relatable narrative.

Below are the 12 key stages of the 1980s Story Structure:

1. Everyday Life: Introduce the protagonist's regular, uneventful world.
2. Invitation to Change: The protagonist receives a challenge or quest.
3. Initial Hesitation: The protagonist hesitates or refuses the challenge.
4. Guidance Received: The protagonist encounters a mentor who provides advice or assistance.
5. Entering New Realms: The protagonist commits to the journey and enters a new, unfamiliar world.
6. Challenges and Friendships: The protagonist faces trials, makes allies, and encounters foes.
7. Facing the Unknown: The protagonist prepares for a significant challenge in the new world.
8. Major Challenge: The protagonist faces a critical, life-changing test.
9. Achievement and Insight: The protagonist overcomes the ordeal and gains a reward or insight.
10. Return Journey: The protagonist starts the journey back to the ordinary world, often facing new challenges.
11. Final Test: The protagonist faces a final test where everything is at stake.
12. Homecoming and Transformation: The protagonist returns home, transformed and with newfound wisdom or power.

University-style Story Structure

The University-style Story Structure is inspired by a popular narrative framework taught at leading film schools. This method divides the story into eight distinct sequences, each building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and well-paced narrative. By focusing on both plot development and character arcs, this structure helps writers craft engaging and structured stories.

Below are the 8 key sequences of the University-style Story Structure:

1. Ordinary Life & Disruption: Introduce the protagonist’s everyday world and the event that shakes things up.
2. Conflict & Commitment: Present the main challenge that propels the protagonist into action and commitment to their goal.
3. Initial Trials & Escalation: The protagonist encounters early obstacles that raise the stakes and complicate their journey.
4. Turning Point: A key event that shifts the story’s direction, marking a significant change for the protagonist.
5. Secondary Plot & Build-Up: Delve into subplots and continue to build tension, maintaining momentum in the second act.
6. Peak Tension: The narrative reaches its peak of conflict and intensity, leading to a crucial crisis.
7. Fresh Challenges & Revelation: New twists and challenges emerge, pushing the story toward its climax with renewed tension.
8. Climactic Resolution: The protagonist confronts the ultimate challenge, resolving the central conflict and establishing a new order.

Sequenced Approach to Novel Structure

The Sequenced Approach to Novel Structure is inspired by a semi-popular method found in certain novel-writing circles. This comprehensive framework divides the narrative into nine major blocks, each containing three minor sequences, resulting in a total of 27 sequences. This approach ensures a cohesive and well-paced story, emphasizing both plot progression and character development.

Below are the key blocks and sequences of this Sequenced Approach to Novel Structure:

Act One

Block One

1. World Introduction: Establish the protagonist's environment, characters, and initial situation.
2. Trigger Event: An occurrence that disrupts the protagonist's ordinary life and sets the story in motion.
3. Initial Response: The protagonist's immediate reaction to the triggering event.

Block Two

4. First Response: The protagonist begins to process and react to the new situation.
5. Early Actions: The protagonist takes initial steps to address the emerging challenge.
6. Immediate Outcomes: Consequences of the protagonist's early actions begin to unfold.

Block Three

7. Rising Pressure: Increasing challenges and obstacles for the protagonist.
8. Unexpected Turn: A surprising development that shifts the story's direction.
9. Critical Decision: The protagonist is compelled to make a significant choice or take decisive action.

Act Two

Block Four

10. New Environment: The protagonist navigates a new setting or situation.
11. Exploration and Trials: The protagonist encounters adventures and challenges in this new environment.
12. Contrast with Past: Juxtapositions between the old and new worlds highlight the protagonist's growth and challenges.

Block Five

13. Building Tension: The stakes continue to rise as the protagonist prepares for a major event.
14. Turning Point: A pivotal event or realization that changes the protagonist's approach.
15. Dramatic Shift: A significant change that alters the protagonist's fortunes or perspective.

Block Six

16. Adjusting Actions: The protagonist responds to the changes brought about by the turning point.
17. Ongoing Challenges: The protagonist faces a series of trials or obstacles.
18. Renewed Resolve: The protagonist recommits to their goal with renewed determination.

Block Seven

19. Momentary Calm: A brief period of respite before the final challenges.
20. Sudden Twist: Another surprising development that sets the stage for the climax.
21. Lowest Point: The protagonist faces their darkest moment, filled with doubt and despair.

Act Three

Block Eight

22. Inner Strength: The protagonist finds newfound strength and resolve.
23. Decisive Actions: The protagonist takes firm action to confront the final challenges.
24. Climactic Build-Up: All plotlines and character arcs build towards the climax.

Block Nine

25. Ultimate Confrontation: The protagonist faces the final showdown or challenge.
26. Story Peak: The highest point of the story's action and tension.
27. New Normal: The story's conflicts are resolved, and a new status quo is established.