In a post on Novlr, Pamela Koehne-Drube suggests a plot structure for writing terrifying horror fiction. “There are no hard and fast rules for writing Horror Fiction, but there are certain elements that you’ll find are common,” she says. “Knowing the main plot beats in advance can help you pinpoint where you can develop and expand in your own style.”
Koehne-Drube suggests a three-act structure divided into stages:
Act 1: The Setup
- Stage 1: The Hidden Monster. Early in your novel, tease the monster that will become the central horror of your story. Here is where you tell your reader what kind of story to expect.
- Stage 2: Introducing the Characters. If your hook doesn’t introduce your main characters, they should arrive immediately after.
- Stage 3: The Journey Begins. Stage 3 reveals the inciting incident that draws your characters into conflict with your monster.
- Stage 4: Meeting the Monster. While you’ve already hinted at your horror monster, now one or more of your characters should encounter it. Further character development should occur here as well.
Act 2: A Changing Reality
- Stage 5: The Turning Point. Your characters now reach the point of no return as danger comes to the forefront. The body count rises.
- Stage 6: Pursuit. With bodies piling up, your heroes have no choice but to face the monster, who may be pursuing them more directly as well.
- Stage 7: The First Confrontation. Your heroes might believe they’re ready to tackle the monster. They’re wrong.
- Stage 8: Desperation. Things get desperate. Your characters may be physically isolated and definitely start to feel hopeless.
Act 3: The Payoff
- Stage 9: Breakthrough. Your characters learn a vital piece of information that will help them defeat the monster. This is a big moment that can be revealed through a plot twist or a big revelation.
- Stage 10: Preparing for the Final Confrontation. Instead of running from the monster, your heroes now plunge forward into direction confrontation.
- Stage 11: The Price of Victory. Your heroes now face your monster and their internal demons. Victory requires a sacrifice or a self-realization your characters aren’t ready to face. Defeating the monster must carry a cost.
- Stage 12: The Fallout. With one or the other defeated, this is where you explore the consequences of the final fight between your hero and monster.
