MJG's 26-Point Plot Michael John Grist has published a theory ("On Writing #15 acts of invention" ) that a story requires a set of 26 ideas to be complete and satisfying. I think his ideas are an elaboration on dramatic arc theories and the concepts in Aristotle's "Poetics". 1. Idea 2. Concept 3. Premise 4. Milieu 5. Hero external 6. Hero backstory 7. Inner demon 8. Outer villain 9. Hero arc / turn 10. Theme 11. Setup / orphan 12. - hook 13. - threat 14. - hero's world upended 15. Response / wanderer 16. - threat 17. - actions 18. - hero's 1st revelation 19. Attack / warrior 20. - threat 21. - actions 22. - lull 23. - hero's 2nd revelation 24. Resolution / martyr 25. - hero's finishing move 26. - resolution