How to Plot a Fantasy Novel Like a Pro (Even If You're Just Starting)
Figuring out how to plot a fantasy novel can feel as overwhelming as standing at the edge of a magical forest, wondering which path to take.
Do you dive in and hope for the best? Or do you grab a map, sketch out your route, and keep a sword handy just in case? (Spoiler: go with the map.)
Plotting gives your story direction. It helps all the big moments (betrayals, battles, romantic tension) land with purpose instead of floating around with no payoff.
In this guide, I’ll walk through how to plot fantasy, keep your momentum, and actually get to the end without burning out halfway through.
Let’s get started.
- Why plotting your fantasy novel matters
- How to plot a fantasy novel (step-by-step)
- Common plotting mistakes to avoid in fantasy novels
- Tips for staying flexible when plotting your fantasy novel
- Frequently asked questions about how to plot a fantasy novel
- Complete Fantasy Plotting & Worldbuilding Workbooks Bundle
Why plotting your fantasy novel matters
Some writers prefer to wing it (looking at you, pantsers), but in fantasy, plotting is crucial. Here’s why:
Complex worlds need structure. Your magical realms, political intrigues, and ancient prophecies can easily overwhelm readers if not carefully organized.
Fantasy readers expect depth. They want epic twists, layered character arcs, and rich themes, which are easier to pull off with a solid plan.
Plotting saves time. With a clear structure, you’ll avoid aimless chapters, dead-end subplots, and the dreaded “middle sag.”
That doesn’t mean you need to over-plan every detail. Think of your plot as a skeleton—it’s there to hold everything together, but it can grow and shift as your story develops.
This flexibility is key to mastering how to plot a fantasy novel without losing creativity.
How to plot a fantasy novel (step-by-step)
1. Start with your core idea
Every great fantasy novel begins with a core idea. It might be a vivid image (a lone warrior standing against a dragon) or a “what if” question (what if a magical kingdom’s heir was secretly its greatest enemy?).
Ask yourself:
What’s the heart of my story? Is it a tale of revenge, love, or self-discovery?
What’s the hook? What makes your idea unique or compelling?
Example: Let’s say your core idea is a rebellion against a tyrannical sorcerer. From here, you can start layering in details: Who’s leading the rebellion? What’s the sorcerer’s ultimate goal? Why is now the time for revolution?
2. Choose a fantasy plot structure
When learning how to structure a fantasy novel, understanding popular frameworks like the hero’s journey or three-act structure can help simplify the process.
Popular fantasy plot structures:
The hero’s journey
Perfect for epic quests, this structure follows a hero as they leave their ordinary world, face trials, and return transformed.
Check out our free hero’s journey template to map out your protagonist’s path.
The three-act structure
This classic approach breaks your story into setup, conflict, and resolution. It’s great for writers who prefer clear milestones.
The seven-point story structure
A flexible framework focusing on key turning points, including the hook, midpoint, and resolution.
Episodic arcs
Ideal for sprawling sagas, this structure involves multiple mini-arcs within a larger story. Think A Song of Ice and Fire or The Wheel of Time.
3. Map out your key story beats
With a fantasy novel structure in mind, it’s time to map out the major beats of your story. This is where your Fantasy Beat Sheet Template can be a lifesaver.
Fantasy Beat Sheet Template - Quill&Steel
Essential story beats for fantasy novels:
The inciting incident: What sets your protagonist’s journey in motion?
Example: A young blacksmith discovers they’re the chosen one after surviving a magical attack.
The first threshold: The moment your protagonist steps into the unknown.
Example: The blacksmith leaves their village to seek out an ancient mentor.
Midpoint revelation: A game-changing discovery or twist.
Example: The mentor is secretly working for the villain.
Climactic showdown: The big battle, confrontation, or turning point.
Example: The blacksmith faces the sorcerer in an epic duel.
Resolution: Tie up loose ends and hint at the future.
Example: The blacksmith returns home, forever changed, to rebuild.
4. Develop your subplots
Fantasy thrives on layered storytelling. Subplots can add depth to your world and characters, but they should always serve your main story.
Types of subplots to consider:
Romantic tension: Will your two leads overcome their differences to find love?
Political intrigue: What secrets and betrayals are happening in the shadows?
Personal growth: How do your characters change over the course of the story?
💡 Pro tip: Keep your subplots tightly connected to your main plot. If they don’t enhance the story, consider cutting them.
5. Use your world to drive the plot
Worldbuilding isn’t just about creating cool maps and magical systems (though those are fun). The best fantasy novels use their world to create conflict and drive the plot.
Key ways to let your world drive the plot
Unique challenges: Use the environment to test your characters. A brutal desert, endless storms, or magical wastelands can force tough choices.
Example: In a kingdom ruled by eternal winter, the search for warmth becomes a fight for survival.Cultural tensions: Politics, traditions, and prejudices can ignite conflict.
Example: A hero from a magic-fearing society discovers they possess forbidden powers.Plot-driving mysteries: Ancient ruins, forgotten prophecies, or mythical artifacts can steer your characters into unexpected adventures.
High-stakes magic: Magic with limits or consequences adds urgency.
Example: A hero’s use of magic comes at the cost of their memories.
Questions to ask yourself
What’s the main source of tension in your world?
How does the world challenge your characters?
What mysteries or secrets add intrigue?
6. Flesh out your characters
Your plot is only as good as the characters driving it. Ensure your protagonist has clear goals, motivations, and flaws that shape their journey.
Character-driven plot tips:
Give your protagonist something to lose (stakes!) and something to gain (growth!).
Create multidimensional villains who believe they’re the hero of their own story.
Use side characters to challenge or support your protagonist in surprising ways.
Common plotting mistakes to avoid in fantasy novels
Even experienced writers can fall into these plotting traps. Here are the most common mistakes that can derail your fantasy novel—and how to avoid them.
1. Starting too late or too early
The mistake: Beginning your story after the action has already started, or spending too much time in the "ordinary world" before anything interesting happens.
Harry Potter example: Imagine if The Philosopher's Stone had started with Harry already at Hogwarts, skipping his miserable life with the Dursleys. We'd lose the crucial contrast that makes Hogwarts feel so magical. Conversely, if Rowling had spent three chapters detailing Harry's daily routine before his Hogwarts letter arrived, readers would lose interest.
How to fix it: Start with your protagonist in their ordinary world, but introduce tension or hints of change early. Give readers just enough normal to understand what your character is leaving behind.
2. The dreaded "middle sag"
The mistake: Losing momentum in Act 2, where your story feels aimless or repetitive. Characters wander without clear goals, or obstacles feel arbitrary.
Harry Potter example: If Harry had spent the middle of the book just attending classes without the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone driving him forward, the story would have stalled. Instead, each obstacle (the three-headed dog, the troll, Quidditch matches) serves the larger plot.
How to fix it: Give your protagonist clear, escalating goals throughout the middle. Each obstacle should teach them something new or raise the stakes.
3. Introducing too many plot threads
The mistake: Adding so many subplots, characters, and conflicts that readers lose track of what's important.
Harry Potter example: Rowling could have added subplots about Harry's extended family, detailed backstories for every Hogwarts student, and multiple romantic triangles. Instead, she focused on the core mystery while weaving in just enough subplots (Harry's friendship with Ron and Hermione, his rivalry with Draco) to add depth without confusion.
How to fix it: Each subplot should either advance your main plot or develop your protagonist. If it doesn't serve one of these purposes, cut it.
4. Ignoring your world's rules
The mistake: Establishing magical or fantastical rules, then breaking them when convenient for your plot.
Harry Potter example: If Harry had suddenly developed the ability to fly without a broomstick during the final confrontation, it would have felt like cheating. Rowling established clear rules about magic and stuck to them, making Harry's victories feel earned.
How to fix it: Create a "world bible" (like my Notion Worldbuilding & Story Planning bible) documenting your magic system, political structures, and physical laws. Reference it regularly to ensure consistency.
5. Weak stakes and motivation
The mistake: Your protagonist's goals feel trivial, or the consequences of failure aren't clear enough to create real tension.
Harry Potter example: If the only consequence of Voldemort's return was that Harry might get in trouble at school, the stakes would be laughably low. Instead, Rowling made it clear that failure meant death for Harry and tyranny for the wizarding world.
How to fix it: Make sure your protagonist has something personal and significant to lose. The stakes should escalate throughout the story.
6. Deus ex machina solutions
The mistake: Resolving conflicts through convenient coincidences, new powers appearing out of nowhere, or characters suddenly knowing things they shouldn't.
Harry Potter example: If Harry had defeated Quirrell because a random new spell popped into his head, it would have felt cheap. Instead, his mother's love—established early in the story—provided the protection he needed.
How to fix it: Plant the seeds of your resolution early in the story. Every solution should feel inevitable in hindsight.
Tips for staying flexible when plotting your fantasy novel
Outline lightly: Focus on major beats, like the inciting incident or climactic showdown, but leave enough room for the story to grow organically. Think of your outline as a guide, not a rulebook.
Review often: After each draft, revisit your outline to see what’s working and what’s not. Sometimes, a scene you loved in the planning stage may not serve the story anymore—and that’s okay.
Kill your darlings: Be ruthless about cutting scenes, characters, or subplots that no longer fit. If it doesn’t move the story forward, it’s time to let it go (and maybe save it for another project).
Let characters lead: If a character’s decisions take them in a different direction than you planned, follow them. Organic character choices often create more compelling stories than sticking rigidly to your outline.
Trust the process: Writing is messy, but the mess often leads to brilliance. Don’t fear the detours—they might take you somewhere better than you imagined.
Remember, flexibility (i.e., making changes to your initial fantasy novel structure) doesn’t mean abandoning your story. It means allowing it to evolve while staying true to its core.
Ready to plot your fantasy novel?
Plotting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, you can break it down scene by scene and build something that actually works.
Whether you're using the Hero’s Journey or making your own structure, having a clear outline keeps you focused and helps the story stay on track.
If you want everything in one place (including the Beat Sheet template), my Fantasy Writing Workbooks Bundle shows you how to plot fantasy, how to build your world, and how to plan your novel from start to finish.
Frequently asked questions about how to plot a fantasy novel
How long should it take to plot a fantasy novel?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some writers can map out their story in a weekend, while others take weeks or months to develop their plot. The key is to find a balance—spend enough time outlining to feel confident, but don’t let it become an excuse to delay writing.
Do I need to know the ending before I start writing?
Not necessarily. Some writers prefer to discover the ending as they go, while others need to know exactly where the story is heading. If you’re unsure, try plotting a few key milestones leading up to the climax. This way, you’ll have a direction without locking yourself into a rigid conclusion.
How can I keep track of all the moving parts in my fantasy plot?
Consider using tools like beat sheets, digital writing software (like Scrivener or Notion), or even a simple spreadsheet to organize your ideas. A physical notebook or corkboard with index cards works wonders too. The goal is to have a clear overview of your plot, subplots, and character arcs, so nothing gets lost along the way.
