Three-Act Plot

A commonly used plot structure, included in many books and movies.

Introduction

 * Here, you introduce your characters and the main setting. Set the stage in an exciting way, for example creating an action scene to introduce the antagonist in an action story.
 * You can also make the antagonist do something that causes the protagonist to do what he/she/it will do for the rest of the book/series, for example being a superhero.

Origin
This is an optional genre specific technique which can also be merged with the flashback technique. It is usually used for stories such as the superhero sub-genre, in which the protagonist and/or the antagonist gain powers and/or their abilities. Main article: Origin Story

Questions to be answered

 * Who's the protagonist/s? What's his/her/its problem? How does it become his/her/its mission in the story?
 * Who's the antagonist?
 * What is the setting?
 * Who are the major players?
 * What is/are the major conflicts/problems

Problem

 * Now, the problem should really be introduced, and the antagonist should show himself to the protagonist.
 * Add subplots.
 * Join the main protagonist with other people/another person with the same/similar objectives with the protagonist. This is especially for a team-up story.
 * Make the story suspenseful.
 * You must have at least another action scene if it is an action story.

Act 3

 * Final battle.
 * Aftermath.
 * Cliffhanger.