Story Structures - Plot Theory: Brandon Sanderson's Writing Lecture #3 (2025)

Welcome back to class! We've arrived at the second part of Brandon's plot theory lectures. In this lecture, we're taking a deep dive into different story structures and how you can use principles from any or all of them to create a framework for your story. From the Hero's Journey to Three Act Structure to Story Circle, you'll get an overview of each famous structure. Let's get started!

Review the lecture notes here: https://bit.ly/3WGotxF

Audio version available wherever podcasts can be found!

Want to send me something to open?
Dragonsteel Entertainment
ATTN: Adam
P.O Box 698
American Fork, UT 84003

Stay up to date by following my newsletter: https://brandonsanderson.us10.list-ma...

Interested in signed books and swag? Check here: https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/

You can also follow me on:
Tiktok:   / authorbrandonsanderson  
Facebook:   / brandsanderson  
Twitter:   / brandsanderson  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandsander...
Twitch:   / mistbornbrandon  

Frequently asked questions: https://faq.brandonsanderson

Chapters
(0:00) - Opening Class
(02:35) - A Reminder on Plot
(6:18) - The Story Circle
(14:01) - The Hero's Journey
(30:23) - Yes, But, No, And
(36:00) - Try/Fail Cycle
(54:34) - 3 Act Story
(1:12:36) - Structure Model