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And they lived Happily Ever After. Cinderella - Plot and Structure

Updated: 2 days ago

CINDERELLA – PLOT AND STRUCTURE (3)

 

Consider the well-known story of Cinderella and how it is structured, according to the outlines discussed in PLOT AND STRUCTURE Parts 1 & 2:

Narrative structure

             Beginning                            Middle                                    End

 

1. Inciting Incident

The household receives an invitation to the Royal Ball; everyone is invited and wants to go – including Cinderella.

2. Complications

The Ugly Sisters forbid Cinderella to go.

Cinders will have nothing to wear.

Cinders has no time to prepare anything because she has to make their gowns.

Cinders has to clean the house, etc.

3. Crisis / Plot point 1

Everyone leaves. Cinderella is left alone and in tears but still wants to go to the ball. The Fairy Godmother arrives.

More Complications

Cinders must leave by midnight.

She forgets the time.

Next Crisis / Plot Point 2

She flees. Her clothes turn to rags, coach, etc. disappear. Cinders loses her slipper. Prince finds slipper and vows marriage.

More Complications

Ugly sisters lock her away when Prince visits.

4. Climax

Luckily, Prince Charming sees her, the slipper fits.

5. Denouement

Cinderella marries the Prince and they live ‘Happily Ever After’.

The Sisters are banished.

 

 

The Three-act Structure

 

Act 1 – The Beginning. 

The Set Up.

The invitation and the stepsisters’ cruelty to Cinderella.

The arrival of the Fairy Godmother.

Act 2 – The Middle. 

The Development.

Fairy Godmother works magic. Cinders goes to the ball.

The clock strikes twelve.

Act 3 – The End. 

The Resolution.

The Prince finds Cinderella and they marry.

The sisters get their comeuppance.

 If you haven't already, read my blogs PLOT AND STRUCTURE PARTS 1 & 2.

Now, apply these ideas to whatever you're currently working on.

Have fun with your writing - always.



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