Name some structure techniques for the beginning of a story
In Media Res
• Dramatic Statement / Bold Opening Line
• Dialogue
• Setting Description
• Character Introduction
• Question / Rhetorical Question
• Mysterious / Intriguing Statement:
• Flashback / Memory:
• Universal / Philosophical Statement
In Media Res:
Starts in the middle of action → hooks reader immediately
Dramatic Statement / Bold Opening Line:
Surprises or intrigues.
Dialogue
Introduces character and immediacy.
Setting Description:
Creates mood, atmosphere, or context.
Character Introduction:
Sparks interest in the character.
Question / Rhetorical Question:
Engages curiosity.
Mysterious / Intriguing Statement:
Builds suspense.
Flashback / Memory:
Gives backstory.
Universal / Philosophical Statement:
Sets thematic tone.
What’s the structural techniques in the middle of the story
Rising tension/build up:
• Foreshadowing:
• Shifts / Changes in Focus:
Examples:
o Shift in moo
o Shift in setting:
o Shift in perspective:
o Shift in time:
o Shift in style:
o Shift in tone:
o Zooming in / Zooming out:
• Flashbacks / Non-linear Time:
• Delayed Reveal / Withholding Information:
• Dialogue:
Rising tension/build up:
Increases tension toward key events.
Foreshadowing:
Hints at future events → maintains curiosity.
Shifts / Changes in Focus:
Keeps the narrative dynamic.
Shift in mood:
Calm → tense
Shift in setting:
Different location or environment
Shift in perspective:
Different character viewpoint
Shift in time:
Past ↔ present, flashbacks, or jumps forward
Shift in style:
Description → dialogue, formal → informal
Shift in tone:
Serious → humorous
Zooming in / Zooming out:
Focusing closely on a detail or pulling back to see the bigger picture
Flashbacks / Non-linear Time:
Adds depth and background.
Delayed Reveal / Withholding Information:
Builds suspense and curiosity
Dialogue
Moves plot forward and reveals character.
