Fiction Writing Made Easy

#152. Three Act Structure Breakdown: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Aug 1, 2024

Join Abigail K. Perry, a story structure expert, as she delves into the captivating plot of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Discover how Rowling masterfully builds life-and-death stakes suitable for middle-grade readers. Explore the significance of Harry’s beginning journey from the Dursleys to Hogwarts, and how critical moments shape his character arc. Learn about the power of narrative perspective and the impact of Harry’s all-time low on his development. This analysis uncovers the secrets behind engaging storytelling.

39:42

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Episode guests

Abigail K. Perry

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Rowling expertly intertwines Harry's character development with the plot, enhancing the reader's emotional investment throughout the narrative.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of the Five Commandments of Storytelling in structuring key moments within Harry Potter's journey.

Deep dives

Pre-Order Bonuses and Engagement

The episode highlights the pre-order bonuses available with the purchase of the new book, which includes a two-hour workshop where participants can delve into the climactic moments of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." In this workshop, insights about writing and the Harry Potter series will be explored in an interactive format. Additionally, listeners will receive exclusive margin notes on the critical midpoint scene, facilitating a deeper understanding of the text. An invitation to a virtual book launch party further enhances engagement, making the pre-order experience more appealing.

Intro

3min

The Beginning Hook: Harry Potter’s Call to Adventure

5min

Exploring Life and Death Stakes in Storytelling

2min

The Power of Perspective in Storytelling

2min

Navigating a New World

25min

Analyzing Narrative Structure and Editing Techniques

2min

How did Rowling deliver on the life-and-death stakes an action story requires, but in a way appropriate for middle-grade readers? How did she consistently weave together the external plot and Harry’s character arc in such a way that they’re inseparable?

Tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry and I talk through the plot structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone using the Story Grid’s Five Commandments of Storytelling. Yep, we’ve broken down the beginning, middle, and end of the first Harry Potter book so you don’t have to. Cool, right?

You’ll hear us talk about things like:

02:26] The structure of the beginning hook—aka how Rowling introduced us to Harry and immersed us in his world before sending him to Hogwarts.
[10:08] How the middle build-up leads to the all-important midpoint moment. What will Harry do now that his life’s been threatened by a teacher?
[22:56] How the middle breakdown brings Harry to an all-time low—and why this is critical in terms of Harry’s growth and ability to defeat Voldemort
[27:57] The structure of the ending payoff—aka how Rowling continued to raise the stakes and delivered an awesome Hero At The Mercy Of The Villain scene
[32:25] And so much more…

If you like this episode, you’ll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.

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