{"id":27674,"date":"2023-10-24T03:00:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T10:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?p=27674"},"modified":"2023-10-19T10:57:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T17:57:46","slug":"rule-of-three-by-laurel-osterkamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2023\/10\/24\/rule-of-three-by-laurel-osterkamp\/","title":{"rendered":"Rule of Three by Laurel Osterkamp"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Rule<\/a>Let\u2019s welcome back Laurel Osterkamp<\/a> as she shares with us \u201cRule of Three.\u201d Enjoy!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The number three is everywhere when it comes to fiction writing<\/strong>. No doubt, you’re aware of the three-act structure.<\/p>\n

There’s also the comedy rule of three, the rule of three to build suspense, the technique of grouping together three elements to emphasize a point or idea, and of course, love triangles.<\/p>\n

But what’s so magical about the number three?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Three-act structure<\/b><\/h2>\n

We almost automatically construct our stories into three acts because three acts provide a natural rhythm to a story.<\/p>\n

The first act sets the stage and introduces the characters<\/strong>, the second act develops the conflict and raises the stakes, and the third act brings everything to a climax and resolves the conflict.<\/p>\n

This structure allows for a clear beginning, middle, and end, which is satisfying for readers.<\/p>\n

For example<\/strong>, Daphne DuMaurier\u2019s Rebecca <\/i>follows the three act structure perfectly.<\/p>\n

(Major spoilers ahead.)<\/p>\n

In act one, the unnamed narrator describes her dream, and then flashes back, and describes how she met Max de Winter, moved to Manderly, and everything went wrong.<\/p>\n

In act two, the narrator despairs and is nearly convinced by Mrs. Danvers to kill herself<\/strong>. But then Max confesses to Rebecca\u2019s murder, and he finally acts passionately toward his new wife.<\/p>\n

Act three brings the revelation that Rebecca was dying of cancer, which absolves Maxim, but brings about questions of Rebecca\u2019s motivations.<\/p>\n

Then, the narrator and Maxim drive toward Manderly and see that it\u2019s burning down.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a symmetry to the story<\/strong>, and the well structured beginning, middle, and end is one of the reasons why this novel remains a classic.<\/p>\n

The comedy rule of three<\/b><\/h2>\n

Watch a sitcom closely, and you\u2019ll notice that comedic writers often use the rule of three to create punchlines.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because three is the smallest number needed to create a pattern<\/strong>, which is essential for humor.<\/p>\n

The first two items in the pattern set up the expectation, and the third item breaks the pattern with a surprise twist.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the sudden shift in expectations that creates the humor.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A great example that breaks down how the rule works is from the movie 21 Jump Street.<\/a><\/p>\n

The rule of three to build suspense<\/b><\/h2>\n

What is true for comedy also applies for suspense. Using three events helps to create a sense of inevitability.<\/p>\n

The first event establishes the ticking clock<\/strong>, the second event raises the stakes and increases the tension, and the third event is the climax that provides the release of that tension.<\/p>\n

Stephen King uses this rule throughout his many novels.<\/p>\n

First, one of his characters will mention a worry or concern about something that could turn (very) problematic.<\/p>\n

Second, that concern has several callbacks<\/strong>, with the tension rising all the while.<\/p>\n

Third, and finally, the suspense peaks with intensity and there\u2019s a climax where everything comes to a head.<\/p>\n

Grouping together three elements to emphasize a point or idea<\/b><\/h2>\n

Literary fiction authors often see three as the ideal number for emphasis.<\/p>\n

This technique has been used in literature for centuries<\/strong>, and its power creates a rhythm and flow that helps draw the reader in.<\/p>\n

In addition, the use of three elements emphasizes the point or idea of a story more effectively than just one or two elements.<\/p>\n

The three elements must be distinct and dynamic and bring something new to the story<\/strong>. If all three elements are similar, the reader might get bored and lose interest.<\/p>\n

An example of this is found in William Golding\u2019s classic novel, Lord of the Flies<\/i>.<\/p>\n

In this novel, Golding uses the rule of three to represent the three characters\u2019 different ideologies<\/strong>. In particular, he uses a trifecta of characters — Ralph, Jack, and Piggy — to represent order, savagery, and intellect respectively.<\/p>\n

Thus, Golding creates tension and suspense in the story as the characters clash over their different ideas.<\/p>\n

Love triangles<\/b><\/h3>\n

With romance, three is often the magic number. The love triangle, a classic trope in fiction, is when three characters involved in a romantic situation create a natural tension that readers can’t resist.<\/p>\n

Maybe it’s because three is the smallest number needed to create a true conflict.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

One person may love another, but when a third person is added to the mix, things become more complicated.<\/p>\n

It’s not just about two people and their feelings anymore<\/strong>, but also about how those feelings impact another person.<\/p>\n