Three Act Structure: The EASIEST Way To Plan Out Your Comic / Manga Story

[@zeria9344]

Im currently writing a story rtn and was surprised how I followed this just from what I was inspired by. I love your vids, they help so much!

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear! Thanks for taking the time to watch!!

[@O_o-simp]

What is the name of your story? I want to read it

[@Fibey]

How's it going?

[@mystrngdefender9505]

Another great video. I've actually been interested in writing stories & you've been a tremendous help on giving me things to consider. I'm glad I came across your channel.

[@MonitorComics]

Thank you! I'm really glad to hear that! Best of luck with your story!

[@davianthomas8559]

Bleach has been an inspiration of my story and some of my characters

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear! Bleach was one of the very first manga that I ever read so I agree!!

[@yagnikbose8973]

Hey! I am trying to build a fictional shounen/seinen world. Would you mind elaborating on your process of building your characters and your story?

[@NewG_JL]

Man just single handedly spoiled alot of key plot points in lots of series without a single spoiler warning

[@MonitorComics]

you voluntarily clicked on a video that is about a beginning middle and end and got surprised when an end was mentioned

[@coptanium3175]

Video idea: I would be interested in how one would come up with a successful name for their manga! Been working on mine for over 4 years now and I still don't have a name lmao

[@MonitorComics]

That is definitely on my list! Thank you for the video suggestion!

[@robertfitzgibbons2165]

I have had the same problem for a couple of my stroies. One I can't figure out a name for it at all and I have been working on it for two years now. The other being the name I want is already taken.

[@coptanium3175]

@@MonitorComics True and factual, stay real. 😔🙏

[@coptanium3175]

@@robertfitzgibbons2165 Dude same, or the name is contradicted by something. It's difficult, especially if you don't have a special item or an event as a goal in mind, nor have a special gimmick that anyone understand when read lmao

[@Quinchysan]

Oh, thank you so much! This really helps get an idea of how to make storylines when your mind gets empty. I will remember this video

[@oldsoul3539]

I've heard it put as: 2. The interesting bit(s) 1. Set up context that makes it possible for the interesting bit(s) to happen 3. How did everything work out in the end You don't have to write in order from start to finish, you can start with an awesome scene in mind and wrap the rest of the story around it

[@inkyshit2533]

So smooth 😭❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 and so clean😤🧡🧡

[@wiggie666]

Man i need to finish my supernatural fighting book series vitamin bullet. It is quite the saga and the ending will be worth it for the readers I hope. Great video.

[@pencilassassin572]

Great video! I'll definitely use this as a reference point when I outline my comic

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear! Best of luck with your comic!

[@zara946]

This video was really helpful and easy to understand! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@juliogaytan20]

This was great to watch. I felt the same way when I saw mugen train. That arch is what I considered the turning point of the story. I always loved the second act of a series and why I always consider them as the Turning Point and by far the most important part.

[@MonitorComics]

YESSS

[@MonitorComics]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@azariahspence8551]

Thanks again for the tips, Monitor!

[@MonitorComics]

Of course! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@ojembo]

The fact "The mid-point" was at the middle of the video is quite impressive

[@shsljazzy291]

I love watching these with no intent to ever write a story of my own

[@Jpeglover99]

I love your videos and they helped mir a lot with my story

[@MonitorComics]

I'm really glad to hear that!! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@Jpeglover99]

@@MonitorComics I have watched almost every of your videos

[@MonitorComics]

@@Jpeglover99 Thank you!!

[@AdamDoesComics]

Hardest spoilers for Goodnight PunPun Jesus. Heads up

[@officialmycrazyamericanfat7811]

Would this kind of structure be applicable to each arc of a story? If not how would it differ?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! In simplest terms, story arcs are just microcosms, or smaller versions of the bigger picture. A story arc will have a beginning, middle an end. A story arc will begin when an inciting incident causes the characters to do something or go somewhere. A story arc will usually have an arc villain, minor antagonist, side conflict etc that needs to be dealt with. There is usually a "big moment" or climax during a story arc. After that is solved, things wind down and the story arc resolves, leading into the next arc!

[@jeremiahwalker3795]

Some more ideas 1: How to Write Good Couples 2: How to Write Disabled Characters 3: How to avoid filler That’s all I got but what do you think of them ?

[@KnHighmer_Dos]

3 is easy

[@LemonLikesFrogs]

I hope he does the good couples one!

[@watchforever1724]

Thanks for making this video

[@RoseKB22]

This is really helpful!

[@DrFuntimes]

I’m actually using this for my story

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear!!

[@rodrigoquiroga1623]

This is huge thanks dude

[@MonitorComics]

Of course! Glad this video could help! Thanks for watching!

[@qlitch]

oh neat i watched this to kinda get an idea of if i wanted to change something up but it turns out my series is following this exact formula to a tee

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear! If you wanted to spice things up you could always alter the structure. Many authors do that to make their work feel less like the others!

[@qlitch]

@@MonitorComics yeah I’m half worried it’ll come of as super cliche now so I’ll have to rethink a few plot points

[@stridin]

Thanks for the video.

[@EmmaGriffin-w4m]

This is huge thanks dude

[@MonitorComics]

Of course! Glad the video could help!

[@iwoso]

Now I see how jjk does this so much help man ❤

[@MonitorComics]

I'm really glad this video could help! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@buberts2186]

Your videos are amazing and helpful but could you do a video on pacing for manga.

[@shadowslayer9988]

What about a video on how to make a good first chapter.

[@grimreaper9735]

Is it bad that in the middle of my manga, the main character does not lose in battle? But he loses morally and does not continue to fight for the sake of the goal. He changes the target to another one. "at now moment,Main character the goal becomes to change himself because he has crossed the line of humanity" and I'm sorry for possibly bad English. I use a translator)

[@raysmith6067]

This is different and actually good you just gave me an idea to think about because most mangas follow the typical route and it can become typical and boring. this adds a twist and curiosity to your story that this grabbed my attention enough to comment. It'll be lit. think of Naruto for example with fighting pain it was a sign of maturity for him and morally struggling after winning and even though he won it added more depth to the story and details and shows more character development and challenges his old views. its a genius idea, role with it 100

[@jsmlxjs5268]

I'll use this as reference

[@MonitorComics]

Glad to hear that! Best of luck with your story!

[@JustCookieHead]

Can you make a vid on how to write manipulative characters? (If yk how too)

[@MonitorComics]

I could add it to my list of upcoming topics, thank you for the video suggestion!

[@JustCookieHead]

i feel like making your own structure will be exciting, but you gotta execute it rght

[@MonitorComics]

Very true!

[@robertfitzgibbons2165]

I usualy start with the three act structure when writing a stroy. To write any story you need to know how it begins, and how it ends but it is also good to know where the mid point will be. But I also use other plot structures when writing. I start with the three act for the base of the story, then use either the hero journey or stroy circle for the main story. Sometimes when writing I can get a beginning and middle point but not know what the end point is yet.

[@MonitorComics]

That's awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing some of your experiences using these narrative structures!

[@HMStevensArt]

I can see this working at a macro level, but does it also work in micro? For instance, do these structures work within each episode/chapters?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! With TV Shows for example where it's episodic (every story arc begins and ends in that episode) you can see it being used! In an overarching story, structures can also repeat. In like anime you might see the 3 act structure used for an entire story arc. When that story arc concludes, a new story arc will be introduced and the 3 act structure will start from the beginning again!

[@Jahzara.Campbell]

I have a question is this for a chapter, volume or the whole series

[@RemedyPlays]

Hello i have decided to write my very first manga and when i looked up which genre it fits it came out to be more of the seinen. I have a couple questions hopefully you can answer. I should start by saying that i have been planning characters out world building etc. After laying out my plots and characters i realized that my manga story wise will only last 80-100 chapters. So my questions are 1. Is 80-100 enough for the reader to enjoy it while not feeling rushed? 2. Would this hurt my chances of potientially getting published and or after being published picked up for an anime? 3. I know that an arc can go on forever. But in your opinion is it acceptable to have one as a deposition to the story such as pushing a plot further with it solely focusing on the main villian plotting what they want to do? 4. Are origin chapters really needed? Or is their a positive way to incorporate it into the story without making the reader feel like the time they read it hasnt been wasted. Sorry for the long post and all the questions i just wanna do it right

[@desertchannel7]

could you do a video on intelligent and genius characters?

[@MonitorComics]

It is on my list! The topic is a bit niche though, so it's not a high priority at the moment

[@mofubunsart]

Quick question what acts can you drag out without making your comic boring?

[@AnimeOtaku0_4]

question, is there a set gap In between the beginning and the inciting incident for chapters or is it a case of Beginning is chapter 1 and chapter 2 is the inciting incident? Good video really good advice.

[@MonitorComics]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! There is no "one correct answer" since every story is different. Speaking generally (in my own opinion), I think every chapter should follow the three act structure to some degree. Character Arcs are the exception where you might for example, have the inciting incident be in chapter 10, the climax be chapter 15 and the resolution be chapter 20. To get a feel for the formula, I recommend rereading the first few chapters of your favorite manga! In most cases, Chapter 1 is the longest chapter (45-60ish pages). It usually has a clear beginning middle and end. Chapter 2 and 3 usually begin a story arc which is why they feel a bit open ended. USUALLY, chapter 3 has some sort of climax or satisfying resolution because of the Three Chapter Rule (readers will drop a story if they aren't hooked in the first 3 chapters/episodes). But like I said, there are no "hard rules," many successful stories have done their own thing. That is a common pattern I've noticed though

[@keeganmason4859]

Arcane and Invincible are my favorites

[@MonitorComics]

Great choices! Both super well written stories!

[@abdenourabdenour1172]

Video idea : how to pick pen name - artist name

[@SpookySquid14]

So the 3 act structure is used for the entire story?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! You could also use it for Story Arcs!

[@shadowslayer9988]

You can use this for writing a chapter as well.

[@MonitorComics]

True!

[@sydnney4148]

I never wanted to follow the traditional ending. I would like for the protagonist to some what achieve what they wanted thinking they defeated the main antagonist but in the end they realise it was just a illusion. But would this disappoint readers?

[@raysmith6067]

i didnt read the comment and i was thinking what if they won and woke up and it was just the dream they had while asleep lmao im sure itll go down as the worst ending but memorable at least

[@daeve915]

Anyone know the sauces for the mangas used?

[@keylakey0022]

What's the name of the manga in 8:45?

[@thesandyartist9318]

Do you think certain manga and anime have invented their own structures, that can be reused like traditional ones, for newer and upcoming stories?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! The two series that I mentioned, Attack on Titan and Higurashi: When They Cry do some cool things that I hope more series do. Attack On Titan for example, shows the very last scene of the story in the very first panel of chapter 1. It also withholds a lot of essential information that isn't revealed until Season 4. Once you start seeing these flashbacks and gaining this information, everything that has happened so far make a lot more sense Higurashi is a bit different, it is broken up into Story Arcs that are divided into 2 halves, one half called Question Arcs and another half called Answer Arcs. Each volume focuses on a different "question," or curse that the characters need to deal with. Almost always, most of the characters end up dying and then the world is "reset" in the next story arc. I think the first 6 or so volumes are ALL question arcs, so for a while you're guessing what is actually going on. Each "Answer" arc addresses the specific situation that happened in its matching "question arc" and connects all of the storylines together

[@thesandyartist9318]

@@MonitorComics Yea! I find this really interesting, to me it's really cool when something inovates a newer and more fresh way to tell a compelling story, rather than just continuing an existing method, That's why I highly Admire Chainsaw Man's approach to shonen, and Attack on Titan's way of telling a grand story with all the less chapters than most other highly praised anime and manga!

[@MonitorComics]

@@thesandyartist9318 Very true! I'd say just take these story structure templates and a loose blueprint you can refer to if you ever get a bit stuck As long as someone follows one of these structures, their story should be "well written" to a degree Once you get the basics, you have room to experiment and try new things

[@thesandyartist9318]

@@MonitorComics Agreed! Thanks for the advice!

[@elite3976]

What up monitor, is there a simple method to creating a prologue for a three act structure?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes and no, the only reason someone would make a prologue is if there's background information that the reader needs to know BEFORE the events in your story. A prologue should be a lead in to Chapter 1 and future worldbuilding

[@elite3976]

Alright thanks I appreciate it ❤️

[@priamason284]

Love it my favorite of course is the dragon ball franchise and yes avatar the last air bender

[@MonitorComics]

Great picks!

[@nanom9955]

What do you think of a manga like my hero but with a mix of dragon ball

[@MonitorComics]

I see them essentially as the same thing. They're both shonen type manga with flashy superpowers with a big focus on battling good guys. For a sales pitch I'd recommend combining two completely different series

[@nanom9955]

No what I mean is the superhero concept of My hero mixed with the power system and fights of dragon ball and also the powers can range from fire manipulation to being able to break the laws of physics and gravity or summon monsters (like jjk's curses)

[@robertoromero8594]

Why the shade towards Promised Neverland? It's perfect from start to finish

[@MonitorComics]

Season 2 of the anime is one of the lowest rated mainstream series LOL

[@MonitorComics]

The manga is much better though, I'm personally a anime-only with The Promised Neverland, so I was taking a jab at it's awful second season

[@watchforever1724]

@@MonitorComicsisn’t the final third parts of the manga kinda meh with audiences ?I remember people were not happy about it

[@watchforever1724]

Cause the series isn’t like by everyone

[@MonitorComics]

@@watchforever1724 Yeah the manga has had mixed reviews, the second season of the anime itself is unanimously hated

[@ICapCenn]

I love manga. I want to make my own manga

[@MonitorComics]

Then you should! You got this!!

[@Serocco]

Shout out to Food Wars and Highschool of the Dead getting some love

[@MonitorComics]

YESSIR

[@바보Queen]

but how do you keep this structure in a super long on going story?.....

[@MonitorComics]

The most straightforward way is to think of your story in terms of Story Arcs. Each Arc would follow the Three Act Structure and repeat again when a new arc starts

[@jda7667]

So how would I start my story seeing as it's similar to RWBY and league of legends

[@MonitorComics]

I'm not super familiar with either of those titles, I have watched the first 2 or so seasons of RWBY, but if my memory is correct the first episode was just Ruby beating up a bunch of bad guys. That approach is pretty common in most stories with chapter 1 being a self contained story where an enemy is beaten. Naruto did that with Naruto and Iruka beating Mizuki. Bleach did it with Ichigo and Rukia beating Fishbone D. Food Wars did it with Yukihira beating the person trying to shut his restaurant down. One Piece did it with Shanks beating up that other pirate. If that setup works for your story it could be worth pursuing!

[@jda7667]

@@MonitorComics it was gonna start pretty dark actually but I see where your getting at

[@jeremiahwalker3795]

How to write Child Characters please

[@MonitorComics]

I can add it to my list! Thank you for the video suggestion!

[@jeremiahwalker3795]

@@MonitorComics Your welcome and sweet I love your channel and really need it too because I want to be a cartoonist so much and I don’t wanna be a bad cartoonist but thanks to you I get to learn new things so thank you so much for your channel

[@crazychaba9816]

Kisho Ten Ketsu

[@jasomega2446]

0:03

[@adamshafeeq8685]

Idk if it's just me, but anime and manga feel too serious. Characters feel too seriously, they're fight scenes feel like a game of life or death, there's things like metaphors, themes and life lessons that go way over my head, etc. This most likely could be me, I'm just not into stories that are uber serious. Sometimes I don't even know if a certain story wants me to not take things seriously.

[@malosprime4910]

Different tastes for different people and that's ok. It depends on what you want to tell. We tell stories because of our interests or a lesson we want to convey.

[@MonitorComics]

@@malosprime4910 Great point!

[@MonitorComics]

Every reader is into different things. For some readers, they like that "high stakes" setup. Like an easy example is Sword Art Online, you die in the game you die in real life. The enjoyment comes from those stakes, if you screw up you're done. The story wouldn't be the same if you could just respawn right away

[@GYM_K1D]

I get a load off my ispo from impound comics

[@bobalinx8762]

Don’t Japanese stories use a four-act structure?

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! What you are thinking of is the kishōtenketsu. I was considering making a video on this but I don't know how interested people are in all of these different story structures lol. Still debating whether or not to talk about freytag's pyramid, the fichtean curve, and the 7 point plot structure

[@bobalinx8762]

@@MonitorComics I would be quite interested in learning how it’s implied in writing for chapters.

[@kyronj6088]

Manga does not use the 3 act structure

[@iborodavid7243]

This story structure seems generic as if you have enough experience consuming manga you wouldn't really feel exceptional overwhelmed emotionally after the read... doesn't mean it couldn't make for a great story... mob psycho uses this I think... and it's still one of my best anime out there so it doesn't mean this is bad

[@MonitorComics]

Every story structure kind of feels "generic" because its a common template. If someone follows any of these structures they SHOULD have a complete story I always try to tell people to use these as a starting point. Many great series deviate or do their own thing to make their work feel unique This video and the other ones about story structure are just for the people who have zero idea what makes a good story and need a starting point or blueprint

[@Chippsnip20000]

Ah, you mean Michael Jackson

[@genVwithaswitch]

let him cook

[@MonitorComics]

I burnt the food

[@genVwithaswitch]

@@MonitorComics thats cap bro made a whole meal

[@hobbsmakescomics]

Could you also tell these kids to cut intros and prologues and instead build the world in story? If I have to read one more front loaded Webtoon episode 1 explaining the magic system and telling me about a centuries long conflict and blah blah blah- so help me... No one cares, get to the story. If its good we'll want to know and figure it out as we go on the journey with the characters.

[@Artkid-ie1il]

I’ve been inspired by a lot of artist from anime to manga and have always dreamed of creating my own I sometimes need a bit more explanation on in depth stories so I’m experimenting with Dan harmons story circle and it’s been helping me a fair bit tho there’s still somethings I’m trying to work out I watch your videos in hope to have a deeper understanding of professional presentation when it comes to creating a story and would love some input on my ideas if your not too busy I have this amazing idea I want to share with others I would just like some valuable opinions and tips if that’s not too much to ask for @Monitorcomics

[@MonitorComics]

At the moment I only give feedback on completed storyboards or finished comic pages, I don't have the time to read paragraphs of scripts or story ideas from hundreds of people I do plan on creating a paid service for something like that in the near future though!