Draw out or get a copy of the plot diagram triangle, which is a simple triangle with one of the points facing north. (See Resources for an example of what this triangle looks like.) Consider the triangle's first point, which symbolizes the story's beginning. Write down what moment or what incentive causes your character to want to change something, or what event or person changes the world of that main character. This event sets the story in motion and causes the action to start rising toward its eventual climax.
Write down the struggles of the main character along the first slope of the triangle. This is called "Rising action." Write down the complications, problems and obstacles that the main character faces in pursuit of her end goal, which was established through the incentive in the "Beginning" section. These complications may increase in intensity, or in some way move the protagonist closer to the climax, which will be the story's (and the triangle's) high point.
Write down what you want your "Climax" to be near the top point of the triangle. Your climax should be the turning point of your story. This is when the main character must face major decisions, overcome the greatest obstacle or face the biggest problem.
Write down points on what you want included in the "Denouement" of your plot along the second side of the triangle. Your denouement should be the falling action of your plot. This is where problems are resolved, where conflicts unravel or are settled and where action and suspense decrease. In contemporary stories, this section is usually shorter than the rising action.
Write information on how you want your story to end near the third and last point of the triangle. This should be your "Resolution," where your characters' story comes to an end and the story's conflicts are resolved.