Narrative writing: plot structure and how to start a story
Plan a story with a five-part plot structure, write a strong opening and punctuate dialogue correctly.
KS3GCSEMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolCurriculum fit: GCSE English Language Paper 1 (narrative writing). US: Common Core ELA Writing standards (narratives, grades 6-12).
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What is it?
A narrative is a story. In timed writing, a short, focused story with a clear structure usually works better than a long, complicated one.
A common plot structure has five parts: exposition (set-up), rising action (problems build), climax (the turning point), falling action (consequences) and resolution (the ending).
Key formulas and ideas
- Plot: exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → resolution.
- Start with a hook: an interesting first line that makes the reader want to continue.
- Dialogue: start a new line for each new speaker and use speech marks around the spoken words.
- Keep to a small number of characters and settings.
Worked examples
Example 1: Plan a short story
Question: Plan a short story about finding a mysterious key.
- Exposition: Zara finds a rusty key in her garden.
- Rising action: she searches for what it opens and is followed.
- Climax: she opens an old chest and finds a letter from her grandmother.
- Resolution: she understands her family's secret.
Answer: A five-part plan with a clear turning point
Example 2: Hook
Question: Write a hook for a story about a storm.
- Start with action or an unusual detail.
- Avoid beginning with 'One day...'.
Answer: By the time the first tile hit the ground, Mara had already started running.
Example 3: Dialogue punctuation
Question: Punctuate: Where are you going asked Tom
- Put the spoken words in speech marks.
- Add a question mark inside the speech marks, then a lower-case 'asked'.
Answer: "Where are you going?" asked Tom.
Common mistakes
- Trying to fit a whole novel into one story.
- Starting new speakers on the same line.
- Ending with 'it was all a dream'.
- Telling events in a list without building tension.
Practice questions
Frequently asked questions
How long should the opening be?
Keep it short and engaging so you can move to the main events quickly.
Should I use first or third person?
Either can work. Choose one and keep it consistent.
Related guides
Descriptive writing: techniques and examples that work
Use the senses, 'show, don't tell', figurative language and varied sentences to paint a picture with words.
KS3GCSEMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolAnalysing structure in texts: openings, shifts and endings
Look at how a writer organises a text, from openings and shifts in focus to pacing, sentence length and endings, with examples.
GCSEA-LevelHigh SchoolAPSimple, compound and complex sentences explained
Identify clauses and build simple, compound and complex sentences for clearer, more varied writing, with examples.
KS3GCSEMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolSources and review
- DfE: National curriculum in England, English programmes of study
- Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts and Literacy
Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.