Updated Mar. 18th 2009

The following is a self-discovered list of elements contained in an excellent story:

An interesting and intriguing main character, an individual with a unique past that has made him who he is at the time of the story.  Be sure to explain the important aspects of this backstory where appropriate.

This main character must have a story goal: a mission to accomplish, a mystery to solve, his past to reconcile, a villain to overthrow, a treasure to find, a person to save, etc.

Along with this goal, the character must have an all-consuming desire that drives him to accomplish what he sets out to achieve. Love, revenge, money, justice, purpose, an identity crisis, etc.

Fear. This is the person or thing that has the power to stop him from accomplishing his goal. A threat.

An enemy. If another person, this enemy must be smart, strong, and resourceful with a goal directly opposing that of your main character, and he must have an equally strong desire to fulfill this goal.  Other enemies include the character himself (inner conflict), God, society, nature, destiny or circumstances.  In all cases, conflict stems from someone or something hindering your character from getting what he desires.

Conflict or a clash of interests, which results in a fight. This struggle is the essential aspect of fiction.

Suspense, especially building up to the final climax. Suspense is that moment when your reader doesn’t know what will happen next, when she’s at the edge of her seat tense and riveted, waiting for the moment of resolution. Some ways to build suspense are a ticking clock, chases, gradually unveiling secrets, capture and escape, etc. A great way to create suspense is to show the reader something you don’t show your main character; then she bites her nails waiting for the hero to catch on and get out of danger.

A suitable and interesting setting and time period. It should fit your story like a glove and add depth to your characters and their conflict. If it doesn’t, your story will lack its third dimension.

Clarity. Don’t be afraid to state the obvious, and never leave your reader guessing about important things. If you want her to connect specific dots, make the numbers really big. Or better yet, connect them for her.

Believability. Not to be confused with realism. A perfectly believable story can be far from realistic. Believability has to do with logic and consistency. No matter how far from what we know as reality your story may veer, it must make sense inside of itself and never contradict itself. No holes. No leaps in logic. Truth is stranger than fiction because, in fiction, there’s no such thing as a coincidence.

A twist or two. Your readers should be able to see the general direction of where your story is going, but if they know what happens before it does, what’s the point of reading? Keep it surprising, yet believable.

Climax. This is what your story is building to, the moment when the two opposing forces of your story must face each other and fight. There will be a winner and a loser. Then your story will be resolved. The climax should clearly be the most intense part of your story; it should reveal all you’ve kept hidden, and the story should end shortly thereafter.  

A satisfying--if not happy--ending. However your story ends, it should be the direct result of the actions of your hero. The story is his quest, and he should sweat and bleed to earn whatever good he gets in the end. Don’t drop a magic wand (or sidekick) out of the sky to save him. He must be forced to face his fears and fight. Win or lose, this is his journey and his alone.

Lastly, if your story raises questions, be sure to answer all of them.