One way to decide whether a plot is well constructed is to diagram it. A plot diagram looks like a line graph. Use a flat line when nothing much is happening, and make it proportional to the amount of time that part of the story takes up. The line should rise as tension develops, with a low angle to indicate slowly rising tension, and a sharper angle if things get really exciting.

When you're ready, click on the box below for a short animated illustration of what a plot diagram might look like (it may take a moment to load).

This is a typical traditional story structure. It provides a little exposition at the beginning, then the conflict begins with the first event. Another event adds a complication, and things become very tense, building to a dramatic climax. When the denouement is complete, the tension level is back to where it was when the story began.