Story-Structure

The building is already on fire when your story starts. No explanation of who lit it. No backstory about the building’s construction. No context about why it matters. Just flames, smoke, and someone running toward the exit. This is in medias res—literally “in the middle of things”—and it’s one of the most powerful tools in storytelling. Why Starting in the Middle Works Traditional story structure suggests you introduce characters, establish setting, explain stakes, then deliver conflict. ...