How to write a story

Have you ever thought of writing a creative story?

If the answer is yes, let’s take a look at the essential points and steps of writing a great story. 

Learn the essential points

When writing a story, you better create a well-balanced combination of character, plot, setting, theme, and conflict. 

1. Characters

Characters are one of the most important elements of a good story.

  • The reader experiences the story through the eyes of the main character, so they're quite important.
  • Throughout the story, the protagonist must have a purpose to achieve or face a conflict that shapes their character development.
For example: A character who is weak at the beginning of the story can become a strong person at the end.

2. Plot

The plot is the sequence of events in a story. It is divided into three sections: beginning, middle, and end.

  • In the beginning, the characters and the place where the event takes place are introduced.
  • In the middle, we see a major conflict that the character is facing occurs.
  • In the end, we witness the change in the character and the problems they encounter are solved.

3. Setting

The setting is the element that determines when and where your story takes place. 

  • Time and space have an impact on your characters and relationships. It informs the reader about the character's worldview as well as his cultural and social environment. 
  • A good story setting allows the reader to imagine himself or herself as a character in the story.

4. Theme

The theme is the message or the idea that you want to convey to your readers. You can think of the theme as a lesson or moral value. Here are some theme ideas you can use:

  • Good vs. Evil, Love, Revenge, Freedom, Justice, Hope...

5. Conflict

Conflict is an essential element of a good story that the character has to overcome it. 

Create a story outline

After learning the basics, create an outline for your story, which could be a roadmap for you. You can structure your story outline using the five basic plot phases: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Story outline example/template

  1. Exposition
    1. Simply an introduction for your story
    2. Introduce your characters, setting, etc.

  2. Rising Action
    1. Conflict occurs and leads to climax slowly.

  3. Climax
    1. Tension increases and main character faces the conflicts

  4. Falling Action
    1. Climax slowly resolves and character lessons introduced

  5. Resolution
    1. Story comes to an end and all conflicts/problems resolved


After you’ve prepared your outline, start writing your first draft by following the plot’s stages.

Start with exposition

The exposition is the introduction part of your story. It establishes the plot by introducing your characters and setting.

Exposition Example


“Once upon a time, two siblings lived in a small village at the foothills of a high mountain. These children took care of themselves because their parents died. Little sister Emily worked at the tailor's sewing shop, while her older brother Eric worked at the bakery.”
....(Exposition continues)

Rising action

The rising action is the part of the story where the conflict occurs and leads to the climax of the entire plot.

Rising Action Example


“Years passed by working and supporting each other, and these two siblings are now in their twenties. One day, a very beautiful and magnificent woman from another city came to the tailor where Emily worked. As soon as she saw Emily, she liked her very much and wanted to be a bride for her own son.”
....(Rising Action continues)

Climax

The climax is the point in the story where the tension rises. We see the main characters confront the major conflict in this section. 

Climax Example


“Since Emily was alone with her brother all her life, she didn't want to leave him or the city. She turned down the woman's offer. But this time, the woman came to the tailor with her son. Emily fell in love the moment she saw the man. But she told him that she would never leave her brother and the city she lived in, and that if she wanted to marry him, they had to start a life in this city.”
....(Climax continues)

Falling action

The falling action is where conflicts begin to resolve.  You may show the reader the change and development of your character in this section.

Falling Action Example


“The man also fell in love with Emily as soon as he saw her, and on top of that, he was also amazed at how she supported her brother, how she was a woman who stood on her own feet, and how she didn't go back on her decision. He decided to move to this city instead of making her wish for the rest of her life.”
....(Falling Action continues)

End your story with resolution

The resolution is where your story comes to an end and all your character’s problems are resolved. Your story can have many different endings, but in any case, you better satisfy the reader. 

Resolution Example


....(Resolution continues)
“After the man moved, they had the most beautiful wedding in the village and got married. Eric and Emily's husband opened a bakery and started to run it, and Emily promoted the clothes out of town and expanded their business thanks to her husband's mother. They lived happily together.”
....(Story ends)

When you’ve finished writing your story, don’t forget to proofread for grammar and punctuation mistakes. Actually, it’s better you let other people read your story and use their feedbacks to improve it further.

Extra tips

  • Find an interesting and short title that will grab the reader's attention.
  • Set the tone that will determine the mood of your main character and setting.
  • Choose your point of view to determine how the reader will perceive the story: first person, second person and third person.
  • Use effective dialogue to develop your character's personality and add drama to the story.
Picture of Asena Kocakusak
Asena Kocakusak

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