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Novel Outline Template

Craft your story effortlessly with our engaging novel outline template.

How to Create a Novel Outline

Crafting a novel outline sets the foundation for your story. Follow these steps:

  1. Define Your Idea

    • Clearly state your main concept or theme.
  2. Develop Characters

    • Outline your protagonist, antagonist, and key supporting characters.
  3. Establish Setting

    • Describe the time and place where your story unfolds.
  4. Plot Major Events

    • Identify key plot points from the beginning to the climax and resolution.
  5. Organize Scenes

    • Break down each chapter or scene, detailing its purpose and progression.
  6. Review and Refine

    • Assess your outline for coherence and make adjustments as needed.

By following these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation for your novel that guides your writing process.

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Story Blueprint

Novel Title: {Your Novel Title}

Plot Summary

  • Beginning: {Describe the opening scene and initial conflict}
  • Middle: {Outline the main events and turning points}
  • End: {Describe the climax and resolution}

Characters

  • Protagonist: {Name and brief description}
  • Antagonist: {Name and brief description}
  • Supporting Characters: {Names and roles}

Setting

  • Location: {Primary setting details}
  • Time Period: {Era or specific time frame}

Themes

  • {List major themes}

Chapter Breakdown

  1. Chapter 1: {Brief description}
  2. Chapter 2: {Brief description}
  3. Chapter 3: {Brief description}

Feel free to adjust as your story evolves!

Character-Driven Outline

Novel Title: {Your Novel Title}

Main Characters

  • Protagonist: {Name, age, occupation, and key traits}
  • Antagonist: {Name, age, occupation, and key traits}
  • Supporting Characters: {Names and brief descriptions}

Plot Overview

  • Inciting Incident: {What sets the story in motion}
  • Major Conflict: {Central struggle or challenge}
  • Resolution: {How the conflict is resolved}

Setting

  • Primary Location: {Description of the main setting}
  • Secondary Locations: {Other important places}

Themes

  • {List key themes}

Chapter Highlights

  • Chapter 1: {Key events}
  • Chapter 2: {Key events}
  • Chapter 3: {Key events}

Adapt as needed to fit your narrative!

Plot-Centric Outline

Novel Title: {Your Novel Title}

Plot Structure

  • Introduction: {Set the scene and introduce characters}
  • Rising Action: {Describe the build-up of events}
  • Climax: {The turning point of the story}
  • Falling Action: {Events leading to the resolution}
  • Conclusion: {Wrap up the story}

Key Characters

  • Hero: {Name and role}
  • Villain: {Name and role}
  • Others: {Names and roles}

Setting

  • Where: {Main locations}
  • When: {Time period}

Themes

  • {List central themes}

Chapter Overview

  • Chapter 1: {Summary}
  • Chapter 2: {Summary}
  • Chapter 3: {Summary}

Make changes as your story unfolds!

Theme-Focused Outline

Novel Title: {Your Novel Title}

Central Themes

  • Theme 1: {Description}
  • Theme 2: {Description}
  • Theme 3: {Description}

Plot Summary

  • Opening Scene: {Describe the beginning}
  • Key Events: {List major plot points}
  • Ending: {Describe the conclusion}

Characters

  • Main Character: {Name and role}
  • Supporting Characters: {Names and roles}

Setting

  • Primary Setting: {Description}
  • Time Frame: {Era or specific time}

Chapter Breakdown

  • Chapter 1: {Main focus}
  • Chapter 2: {Main focus}
  • Chapter 3: {Main focus}

Tweak as your themes develop!

Setting-Centric Outline

Novel Title: {Your Novel Title}

Setting Details

  • Primary Location: {Describe the main setting}
  • Secondary Locations: {Describe other important settings}
  • Time Period: {Era or specific time frame}

Plot Overview

  • Introduction: {Set the scene}
  • Conflict: {Describe the main conflict}
  • Resolution: {How the story concludes}

Characters

  • Protagonist: {Name and description}
  • Antagonist: {Name and description}
  • Others: {Names and roles}

Themes

  • {List major themes}

Chapter Highlights

  • Chapter 1: {Key events}
  • Chapter 2: {Key events}
  • Chapter 3: {Key events}

Adjust as your setting influences the story!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the essential elements of a novel outline?

A novel outline typically includes key elements such as the plot summary, character descriptions, setting details, major themes, and chapter breakdowns. These components help structure your story and guide your writing process.

How can a novel outline improve my writing process?

A novel outline serves as a roadmap for your story, helping you organize your thoughts and maintain a clear direction. It can prevent writer's block, ensure consistency, and make the editing process more efficient.

What are common mistakes to avoid when creating a novel outline?
  • Overloading the outline with too much detail, which can stifle creativity.
  • Being too rigid and not allowing room for changes as the story develops.
  • Neglecting character development in favor of plot progression.

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Power Up Your Digital Note Taking

Whether you’re offline, online, or on the go—capture your best thoughts in a single place