Flashcards on Creative Writing: Dialogue and Antagonists
Creative Writing: Crafting Compelling Antagonists & Dialogue
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Fiction Writing and Story Structure
19 cards
Card 1
Question: What is the 'opening image' and where is it typically located in the story's percentage structure?
Answer: A snapshot of the world before; it shows the character before the change. It's found at 0–1% of the total length.
Card 2
Question: What does 'theme stated' mean and in what part of the story does it appear?
Answer: A character (often minor) hints at the core truth the protagonist must learn; it appears around 5%.
Card 3
Question: What is the purpose of the 'setup' (1–10%) in a story?
Answer: To introduce the hero's flaws, desires, fears, and social world; to plant the 'hidden wound', show competence, and evoke sympathy before their world c
Card 4
Question: What is the 'catalyst' and what function does it serve in the structure?
Answer: An incident (a phone call, a letter, an explosion) that disrupts the old life and makes return impossible; it occurs around 10%.
Card 5
Question: What happens in the 'debate' phase (10–20%)?
Answer: The hero hesitates, struggles with doubts and the costs of change; it's important to show fear and realistic reluctance.
Card 6
Question: What does 'break into two' mean and when does it occur?
Answer: An irrevocable choice: the character commits to a new plan/identity; it occurs at ~20%.
Card 7
Question: What does the 'B story' represent and when does it typically occur?
Answer: A secondary relationship (romantic or mentor-student) carries the theme and personally pushes the hero; it appears around 22%.
Card 8
Question: What content does the 'fun and games' section (20–50%) include?
Answer: The promise of the premise: complications, skill testing, showing what the character can do, and why the reader will love the concept.
Card 9
Question: What is the 'midpoint' (50%) and how does it change the plot?
Answer: A false victory or defeat that changes the meaning of the story; it escalates the stakes and reveals that the journey isn't complete or is dangerous.
Card 10
Question: What does the 'bad guys close in' phase (50–75%) mean?
Answer: External threats and internal doubts converge; defense mechanisms fail, allies leave or betray.