When I was younger, I didn’t understand how stories work—but I still devoured them. Some stayed with me for days, weeks, or even years after I turned the final page. Others were enjoyable but fleeting, leaving me wondering: What makes one story unforgettable and another easily forgotten?

The answer, I’ve learned, lies in understanding how stories work. 

Authors use specific tools—structure, characters, and themes—to connect with us on a deep, emotional level. The more I uncovered these techniques, the more I enjoyed reading and, honestly, the more meaningful books became.  

If you’ve ever wondered how some books stay with you long after you’ve read them, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into five steps that will help you appreciate the art of storytelling and become a better reader.  

Why Writers Follow Story Structure Basics  

Have you ever finished a book and thought: That was so satisfying. Or maybe, something felt off, but I can’t put my finger on it. That’s the power of story structure basics.  

How Following Basic Story Structure Elements Creates Purpose

Stories need a clear purpose to captivate readers. For example: The Hunger Games. Katniss’s fight to survive isn’t just about the action; it’s also about exploring themes of sacrifice, oppression, and resilience. Everything from the games themselves to her relationships with Peeta and Gale ties back to this central purpose.  

Compare that to a book that meanders without direction—those are the stories we struggle to finish because they lack a guiding thread. When a novel has purpose, via the story structure basics, you feel it on every page.  

How Plot Structure Fundamentals Guide Emotion

In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s journey is shaped by misunderstandings and personal growth. Each chapter builds toward her realisation about Darcy—and herself. That gradual build is what makes the resolution so satisfying.  

Without structure, these emotional highs and lows wouldn’t land. By paying attention to how an author shapes the story’s emotional journey, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for its impact.  

The Big “What If” Behind Every Story  

Every story starts with a question that hooks the reader. I like to think of it as the spark that sets the entire narrative on fire.  Examples of Great “What If” Questions:

• What if an ordinary boy discovered he was a wizard? (Harry Potter)  

• What if society forced people into arranged deaths to control population? (The Giver)  

• What if a woman fell in love with a man she wasn’t sure existed? (The Time Traveler’s Wife)  

When I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, the “what if” question—What if you could see all the lives you could’ve lived?—grabbed me immediately. It made me think about my own choices and regrets, which added a personal layer to the story structure basics.  

As a reader, spotting this “what if” question can help you understand the stakes of the story and why it resonates.  

How Characters Drive the Story  

I’ve always been drawn to flawed, complex characters—the ones who feel real, even when they exist in fantastical worlds. That’s because characters are the beating heart of any story.  

The question is:What Do Characters Want?

Every compelling character has a goal. For example:  In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby wants Daisy—but his obsession with her idealised version leads to tragedy.  

In Little Women, Jo March longs for independence and struggles to reconcile her ambitions with societal expectations.  

When you identify what characters want, you can better understand their choices and conflicts. This adds richness to your reading experience.  

How Character Development Guides any Story

The best characters don’t just pursue goals—they grow in the process. For instance: in A Song of Ice and Fire, Arya Stark starts as a headstrong girl seeking revenge. Over time, her journey forces her to confront who she is beyond her list of enemies.  

Growth arcs like this make characters relatable. As readers, we see bits of ourselves in their struggles, which deepens our connection to the story.  

How Analysing Story Components Can Shape Every Story 

As a reader, to understand how stories work often means spotting the turning points in a story can make the experience more rewarding. Authors intentionally structure their stories around pivotal moments, and recognising these following moments can help you appreciate their craft:  

Inciting Incidents

This is where the story truly begins. For instance: In The Hobbit, Bilbo’s quiet life changes forever when he’s invited on an adventure.  

In du Maurier’s Rebecca, the protagonist’s life shifts when she arrives at Manderley and discovers the lingering shadow of Rebecca.  

Climaxes

These are the moments when everything hangs in the balance. One of my favourite climaxes is in Atonement, by Ian McEwan. The revelations near the end hit like a gut punch because every thread of the story structure basics converges in an unforgettable way.  

Resolutions

A great resolution doesn’t just tie up loose ends—it leaves you thinking. 

In The Road by Cormac McCarthy, the father and son’s journey ends on a poignant, haunting note, forcing readers to reflect on survival, hope, and legacy.  

Why Stories Feel Personal  

Have you ever felt like a book was speaking directly to you? That’s no accident. Great authors use universal themes—love, loss, identity, redemption—to connect with readers.  If the books you’re currently reading do not illicit this, then I highly recommend exploring different genres.

Themes That Resonate

One reason I loved The Book Thief was its exploration of the power of words. As someone who’s always loved reading and writing, this theme felt incredibly personal.  Another example is The Alchemist, which speaks to anyone searching for their purpose. 

Its message about following your dreams struck a chord with me during a time when I felt unsure about my path.  

Relatable Characters

Sometimes, a character’s journey mirrors our own experiences. When reading Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, I found myself identifying with Eleanor’s struggles to connect with others and navigate her past. 

It reminded me that stories can help us see our own lives in a new light.  

The Bottom Line: To Understand How Stories Work Enhances Your Reading Experience.  

Every book has a story behind the story. By uncovering how authors craft their narratives, you can turn every book into an adventure—not just through its plot, but through its artistry.  

Next time you pick up a novel, ask yourself:  What’s the big “what if“

• How do the characters grow?  

• What moments changed everything?  

When you approach books this way, you’ll not only enjoy reading more—you’ll also connect and understand how stories work on a whole new level. And maybe then you can use this new approach to boost your own creative inspiration—  

Let’s keep exploring, one story at a time.