Mystery Story Structure, by Maureen McQuerry, based on Hallie Ephron
MYSTERY STRUCTURE — HALLIE EPHRON
| ACT I | ACT II | ACT III |
| Introduction of the crime (mystery) and the sleuth | Direct the investigation toward a conclusion which later proves to be erroneous.Change of focus and scope of the investigation. This is the pivotal point in the story where it become evident that the sleuth was on the wrong track. Something unexpected occurs, such as the appearance of a second body, the death of a major suspect, or discovery of evidence which clears the most likely suspect. The story must take a new direction | Final confrontation Resolution of subplot
Resolution of mystery |
STORY STRUCTURE
|
OPPORTUNITY |
NEW SITUATION 25% |
PROGRESS 50% |
COMPLICATIONS 75% |
FINAL PUSH / CLIMAX 90% |
RESOLUTION |
| Disclose the crime and mystery to be solvedIntroduce the sleuthClues should be revealedEstablish setting
Begin w/dramatic event |
Introduce suspectsCrime more complicated than appearsSubplot introduced | Reveal facts about suspectsCluesFlight, or disappearance of one or more suspect.Raise the stakes
Sleuth’s background is revealed in subplot Sleuth has a personal stake in the outcome |
Reveal hidden motives. Formerly secret relationships come to lightThe sleuth reveals the results of the investigationThe solution of the crime appears to be impossible | Resolution of subplotProtag is strengthenedThe Climax – a dramatic confrontation between the sleuth and the perpetrator in which the sleuth prevails. The more “impossible” the odds have been, the more rewarding the climax will be. | Resolution – Revelation of clues and the deductive process which lead to the solution |
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ACT I |
ACT II |
ACT III |
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Also available as pdf here.
