Outlining a Story

There is no definitive way to outline a story, but there are certainly guidelines. First of all, be aware that outlines do not need to be for the story as a whole, though that helps. One can draw up outlines for novels, chapters, scenes, short stories, and works of non-fiction ranging from the history of the Roman Empire to 400-word feature articles about a boy and his dog.

The Three Types of Story Outline:

1. Plot
2. Character
3. Situation

We're going to start with the last two first, since they both ultimately lead to the first, and most common outline, Plot.

1. Character. You have a character stuck in your head who fascinates you. War hero. Runaway. Teacher. Drug Dealer. Whatever it may be, you can't escape this character. She is fully developed, ready for the page. But where is she? Start putting your character into No. 2, Situation, and see what develops.
   
2. Situation. You picture a dramatic situation, something you've always wanted to write about, but that's all you have -- that one scene, that one snippet. Ask yourself questions: What happens next? What led them here? If one scene seems right for you character, keep ing. Develop other scenes, then Connect the dots. Soon you'll have No. 3 Plot.
   
3. Plot. Most writers start with some version of plot, a story they want to tell, but don't know how to structure it. It can be daunting, but the following tips might help:

Tips for Developing Plot Outline

• Find Your Beginning. Decide where you want your story to start. Once you start writing, it may change, but you need a beginning. Pick the spot that feels write for you, then develop the next scene, and the next. Keep the story -- and your outline -- moving forward.
  
• Plot Points. List important events where your plot take a turn, usually the end of every chapter, but perhaps elsewhere as well. Structure so that they make sense, usually chronologically, but whatever works best for your story.
  
• Major Events. Jot down major events you see happening in the story, then fill in the events/plot points leading up to them, connecting scene to scene. Follow the course dictated by your major events in the beginning, middle, and end.
• Timeline. Develop a timeline, a literal A leads to B leads to C. Your story will develop, and soon you'll recognize plot points and major events.
  
• Know Your Ending. If you know where your story must end, then you can outline your story toward that conclusion. Sometimes your ending will be the result of plotting; sometimes plotting the result of your ending.

One word of advice: Don't be married to your plot. Let it change if it must. Your writing, descriptions, characters, and plot points may dictate change. Let your outline be as fluid as your words. Some stories may require stricter outlines, plot points that must be hit, but in the end, story determines plot, not the other way around. Let your outline be your guide, not your dogma.