Today, we’re going to be talking about the Flat Arc Hook… the first event in the story. This post might sound similar to the post I wrote on the Positive Change Arc Hook, but today we’re going to look at the Hook from the angle of a Flat Arc.

The Hook occurs at the very beginning of the story, so it’s super important that you get this plot point right. Some readers will put the book down if they’re not satisfied with the Hook they are offered.

Let’s take a look at the three main things to introduce during the Hook:

1. An overall question

Audiences love mysteries, so giving them more questions than answers will make them want to keep reading. The questions might revolve around the story’s Theme, the events of the first scene, or even something about the MC himself.

In “The Basket of Flowers,” the scriptwriters—who adapted the book for the audio drama—cleverly introduced listeners to the conflict by using a flash-forward Prologue.

It starts out as Mary is dragged through a dungeon, and locked into a cell, where she meets a cranky fellow prisoner, and discusses her plight with him. All this time, we’re wondering, “Why is she in prison?” It’s the perfect Hook.

In “Pendragon,” we start out a bit more slowly. The narrator speaks in soft, wise tones, introducing us to the story with her brother’s vision to protect his father’s village. It’s slower-paced but gives off an air of mystery—another perfect Hook.

2. Setting introduction

Setting plays a very important role in a story—some stories more than others. However, it’s important to not overwhelm your audience by throwing too much description at them at once. You have to find the balance between excessive and insufficient description.

“The Basket of Flowers” uses a lot of sound effects for description, since it’s an audio drama. While we can’t use sound effects in a book, we can learn from their use of showing instead of telling. The writers of this script also used some dialogue to show the audience the setting.

In “Pendragon,” the setting is first introduced by the narrator, then by the market sequence during the credits. We get a small glimpse of the MC in his Normal World before the craziness of the main conflict erupts.

3. Character introduction

We’ll talk about introducing the MC in a moment, but let’s focus on the supporting characters for now. Just like your MC, many of your main supporting characters are going to have a few things that need to be introduced:

1. Their Truth (or Lie, depending on their arc)
2. Their Goal (or Want)
3. Their Backstory (or Ghost)

Not all supporting character possess all of these elements, and not all of them will be introduced at the Hook, but it’s good to keep in mind as the characters themselves arrive on the scene.

You’ll introduce the MC by using what’s called the Characteristic Moment. This is when their Truth, Goal, Backstory, and personality are all introduced in the same scene.

The best way to do this is to provide conflict. When the MC is forced to defend their Truth, it will show the audience how dedicated they are to it—and how much it will take for their belief in it to be shaken.

In “The Basket of Flowers,” we are introduced to Mary as she’s being dragged through prison. We see her Truth under pressure (note how we also see her doubts right away, too), and her Goal to keep her father safe.

In “Pendragon,” we are introduced to Artos’ simple, carefree life in his father’s village. We see his love and trust in God, and his devotion to his sister and his village.

Here are a few more examples of Flat Arc Hooks:

1. Sophie wanders around the orphanage (“The BFG”)

2. Wall-E collects trash alone in the deserted city (“Wall-E”)

3. Elinor’s father dies and her estranged half-brother and his wife inherit their house (“Sense & Sensibility)

4. Will and Amy are married (“High Noon”)

5. Paddington makes marmalade with his aunt and uncle (“Paddington”)

Comment below the Hook of your favorite book or movie!