THE POWER OF THREE

By Roxanne Werner

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Little Kittens-- notice a pattern? Sometimes writing can be as easy as one, two, three.

What makes the number three so magical? A mathematician will tell you three points determine a plane. This principle makes a tripod or three legged stool stable; it won't wobble like a table with four legs. A writer uses the same power of three to support strong stories and articles.

The basic structure of a story is a classic three-part plan. The legs a story rests on are an interesting beginning, an exciting middle, and a satisfying resolution. If any of these parts are weak or missing the story will fail. Writers build articles with a similar three-part frame. The introduction outlines the topic to be covered, the body lists facts or arguments, and the conclusion ties everything together. The three-part pattern that builds such strong foundations repeats in many other writing techniques.

Plots often use three steps to allow the main character to grow. The character evolves from apprentice, to journeyman, to master in three confrontations. The obstacles become harder and the hero gains strength and wisdom. After training on the first two problems, he has the confidence and skills needed to meet the final challenge. Besides aiding character development, three conflicts allow tension to build. Difficulties and stakes escalate with each one, moving the story towards its climax. When adapted to other genres this simple hero quest plot line gives stories a powerful three part punch.

Let's look at other examples of three in action. Perhaps you are writing a mystery story. How might you use the power of three? When solving a crime your hero will look for three things; motive, method, and opportunity. The clues planted within your story will help him to prove these three crucial points. Even if your mystery is not a crime, three clues can lead your sleuth to unravel a puzzle. The first clue arouses his curiosity, the second clue helps him form an idea, and the third clue lets him solve it.

Has your hero found a magic lamp or met a magical creature? If he has, he will be granted not two, not four, but three wishes. Why three? Three wishes, like the three challenges, allow the plot and your hero to grow. His first wish will be impulsive and not go as planned. He will think harder about his second attempt. It will seem to go well but deteriorate into an even bigger mess. Finally he will use his third wish to set things right.

Instead of wishes your character may be given guesses at a riddle. How many? I'm sure it didn't take you more than one guess to give the answer three. If the riddle were solved on the first guess it would be too easy. Missing the second guess adds suspense. By limiting the guesses to three you accomplish two goals. First, the reader worries. Will the hero succeed with only one chance left? Second, things aren't dragged out losing the reader's interest.

We've looked at how three works in basic structure and plot development, but what about characters? You may have heard the old saying 'Two's company, three's a crowd.' On a date this is sound advice, but not in a story. A mix of three characters works well. In The Wizard of Oz Dorothy meets the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. Each one portrays a trait; bravery, common sense and a caring heart. Their combined talents aid her in the adventure. The Time Warp Trio series is another example where three main characters interact making the group triumph.

And where would Harry Potter be without Hermione and Ron? The chemistry of this well developed triangle shows us the inner Harry. Using three characters allows characters to have flaws. The hero doesn't have to have all the answers; he has friends to balance out his weaknesses. They may pull him in different directions. Deciding between their conflicting advice gives him another opportunity to grow. His leadership skills develop and the final path is up to him.

Stories can also be built around three strong characters who aren't a team; the hero, the villain and the victim. The interaction between these adversaries creates tension. Without overshadowing each other they become key ingredients engaging the reader's emotions. Each leg of this tripod must be a strong well rounded character; if one is weak the story will suffer.

Now that we've looked at some of the ways to use the number three, try reading some of your favorite stories. Make note of when and how the writer uses the power of three. You'll be surprised at how many examples you will find. Once you've mastered this technique and incorporated it into your writing, you'll feel like Goldilocks. Your stories won't be too long and boring or too short and slight. They'll be just right.