An engaging story isn't merely a jumble of events; it's an intricately woven tapestry that entices readers to turn the next page and immerse themselves completely. In analyzing best-selling books, it's clear that several key stages of story structure are instrumental in achieving this compelling allure.
Let’s explore these stages using best-selling novel “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.
I loved the book and found, which often happens, it’s much better than the Netflix film. If you haven’t read the book and your wanna-read books are stacked too high, take time to watch the film. Play close attention to the key stages of story structure I explain below.
First, let’s look at a portion of a review to get a sense of setting and the two protagonists, Marie-Laure LeBlanc, and Verner Pfennig.
William T. Vollmann in his review of “All the Light We Cannot See,” which was selected as one of the NYT Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2014, in the New York Times, writes:
I must blame Anthony Doerr for lost sleep, because once I started reading his new novel, “All the Light We Cannot See,” there was no putting it down. Told mostly in the present tense, in short and usually pointed chapters, the story moves briskly and efficiently toward its climactic encounter during the Allied bombing of St.-Malo, France, a couple of months after D-Day. Although the narrative consists largely of flashbacks, it’s easy to follow because it focuses most sharply on only two characters, the blind child Marie-Laure LeBlanc, who takes part in the French Resistance, and the very Aryan-looking Werner Pfennig, a technocratic private in the service of the Thousand-Year Reich.
This beautifully crafted novel is set against the backdrop of World War II. It interweaves the lives of two protagonists: Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl, and Werner Pfennig, a German boy. Marie-Laure lives in Paris with her father, who works at the Museum of Natural History. When the Nazis occupy Paris, they flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where her reclusive great-uncle lives. Her father carries with him a valuable and possibly cursed gem known as the Sea of Flames.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Werner is an orphan with a gift for mechanics and radio technology. His skills earn him a place at an elite Nazi training school and eventually foot him as a soldier tasked with tracking the resistance movements. The novel intricately weaves their separate paths until they eventually converge in Saint-Malo, illustrating the profound impact of war on individual lives and the glimmers of hope and humanity that persist.
Now, let’s look at these seven stages of story structure with an eye to “All the Light We Cannot See”.
1. Introducing the Main Character to a Situation that Will Change Everything.
In the initial stages of a story, the protagonist is plunged into a situation that necessitates change. This change prompts the inciting incident—a critical moment that sets the entire narrative in motion.
In “All the Light We cannot See," both main characters, Marie-Laure and Werner, are thrust into transformative situations. Marie-Laure’s world changes drastically when the Nazis occupy Paris, forcing her to flee to Saint-Malo. Werner’s plight begins when his talent for radio mechanics offers him a lifeline out of his bleak orphanage but ensnares him in the brutal Nazi regime.
2. Presenting a question that requires a response.
A compelling narrative poses questions that demand resolution. The narrative poses several compelling questions: How will Marie-Laure survive in an occupied territory, especially being blind? What will become of Werner as he becomes more entwined with the Nazi military machine? Will their fates intersect, and if so, what will the outcome be?
3. The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges, testing their inner strength and resilience.
An empathetic protagonist is crucial in binding readers emotionally to the narrative. In “All the Light…,” both protagonists evoke empathy through their resilience and inner strength. Marie-Laure, despite her blindness and the dangers she faces, remains courageous and resourceful. Werner, conflicted by his role in the Nazi regime, struggles to reconcile his morals with the demands placed upon him. Their journeys of personal growth and self-discovery are deeply moving.
4. Characters that are striking and interesting, with powerful antagonists.
A vivid cast of characters enriches the story, especially when it includes a potent antagonist. "All the Light…” is filled with compelling characters, such as Marie-Laure’s father, her great-uncle Etienne, and Werner’s sister Jutta, who add richness to the narrative. The antagonistic forces, primarily the Nazi regime and its representatives, are formidable, creating a palpable sense of danger and tension throughout the novel.
5. An abundance of conflict.
Conflict is the lifeblood of compelling fiction, and both minor and major conflicts are masterfully intertwined. Conflict abounds in "All the Light We Cannot See." From the Nazi occupation of France to the internal struggles of Werner's conscience, each subplot is rife with both external and internal conflicts. These conflicts drive the narrative forward and keep readers engaged.
6. A setting that poses a threat.
The setting plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere and tension of a story. The settings—from occupied Paris and the oppressive atmosphere of the Nazi school, to the besieged town of Saint-Malo—are steeped in tension and danger. These environments, which should be places of culture, learning, and refuge, are instead fraught with threats to the characters' safety and moral integrity.
7. Exacerbating the Situation
As the story progresses, relentless escalation is crucial. Challenges intensify, and as readers think they’ve grasped the depth of the protagonist’s struggles, new complications arise. Doerr expertly escalates the stakes throughout the novel. Marie-Laure’s situation becomes increasingly perilous as Saint-Malo comes under siege, and Werner faces moral and existential crises as he grapples with his role in the war. The culmination of these escalating pressures propels the narrative toward its climax.
The key to a powerful narrative lies in its well-structured combination of captivating questions, relatable heroes, striking characters, powerful antagonists, perpetual conflict, threatening settings or situations, and relentless escalation. By meticulously crafting these elements, authors like Anthony Doerr create unforgettable tales that readers can’t help but devour, page after page, until the very end.
Robert B. Cialdini, professor psychology at Arizona State University says,
"Mystery grabs readers by the collar and pulls them into the material. When structured properly, mysteries are so compelling that the reader cannot remain and aloof and neutral outside observer of the story’s form and structure.”
I agree, of course. Who am I to disagree with a professor? But I would drop the reference to genre and replace "mystery" with "A good story...."
And, so, how are you approaching structure in your book? Think about taking the time to incorporate these stages. Be bold! It will make a huge difference.
Happy writing!
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