In fiction writing, the ‘rule of action-consequence’ is a powerful tool for crafting compelling and believable narratives. Plots in which every action has a logical consequence flow better and feel less contrived. Like every other skill, applying the principle of action-consequence can be honed with practice. Here’s how to use it to make your fiction writing better.

Understanding the Rule of Action-Consequence

The rule of action-consequence replaces the simple ‘then’ with a more meaningful ‘therefore’. Take a look at these two narrative patterns:

• Pattern A: X happened, then Y happened, then Z happened.
• Pattern B: X happened, therefore Y happened, therefore Z happened.

In Pattern A, events occur in sequence without clear causation, leading to a disjointed and contrived narrative. Literary agents and publishers can spot this pattern immediately in your synopsis and it raises red flags — warning, this narrative is contrived!

In Pattern B, each event logically follows from the previous one, creating a coherent and engaging story. Put simply, here we see cause and effect in an ongoing chain throughout the narrative, which develops naturally. This is action-consequence.

Applying action-consequence to your writing

To use the rule of action-consequence effectively, ensure each plot point springs from the one before it, making the narrative flow naturally. Here’s a basic example:

It rained, therefore Stephen took the bus to work, therefore he met Sam, therefore their relationship began.

Often, however, employing action-consequence can require a little more forethought and integration into your plot. For example: Stephen will discover that Sam has been unfaithful. To do so, he must witness Sam with someone else at a local festival. A last-minute decision for Stephen to attend the festival would feel contrived. How do we get Stephen to the festival believably and naturally?

We apply action-consequence to the plot problem. Stephen has a friend, Jamie, who is training to be an electrician. Months previously, Jamie was booked to assist with the lighting rigs at a local festival. On the day, Jamie asks Stephen if she can borrow his car to transport equipment. Stephen agrees and the two drive the equipment to the festival.

In this example, two threads of action-consequence, developed separately in the narrative, come together to facilitate the major plot point: Stephen discovers that Sam is unfaithful.

Consistency across scenes

Action-consequence does not apply only to major plot points. It should apply on a scene-to-scene basis too. The action in your scenes should spring from somewhere and lead into your next scene. This helps to prevent scenes leaping from action to action without discernible reason. Each time you apply an action, you should consider what the consequences will be. What reaction will it inspire? How will your characters respond? The rule of action-consequence does not negate spontaneity or obstacles, however.

Incorporating obstacles and spontaneity

Unexpected action, unanticipated obstacles and sudden change are not unrealistic in a narrative when used in moderation and to good structural effect.

We can update our narrative pattern to read: W happened therefore X happened, but suddenly Y happened, therefore Z happened.

As a creative writing exercise, why not experiment with this by adapting the Stephen and Sam scenario from above to this pattern? Making room for obstacles is crucial in a balanced narrative, but remember to ensure that the consequences of your unexpected action follow on naturally.

Ensuring proportionate consequences

Action-consequence should always be in proportion. In order to stay believable and avoid feeling contrived, your consequences should always equal your action in severity. Likewise, the subsequent action taken to respond to your consequences should be in proportion.

Example:

• The hero placates a rampaging dragon by removing a cursed arrowhead from its snout.
• The hero placates the dragon by offering it a sandwich.

One of these examples uses action and consequence in proportion, the other does not. While this example may seem ridiculous, overreaction and underreaction are common narrative issues and both affect the believability of your story equally.

Enhancing your writing process with the rule of action-consequence

Using action-consequence carefully to consider whether your plot points and scenes contain appropriate, realistic reactions can help you avoid mismatched and imbalanced plot movements. Literary agents, editors and publishers will be looking to see if your plot appears to have any problems with imbalance or contrived action. Your synopsis will highlight how the aspects of your plot fit together; if any of these seem unnatural or forced, a literary agent might see your narrative as structurally underdeveloped.

Using action-consequence to help you write your synopsis will ensure that you spot any ‘thens’ on the loose in your plot that might undermine its stability. It should also help you to put your synopsis together logically, demonstrating the threads that link your plot points together in natural sequence, so the agent or publisher can see precisely how your story works.

Apply action-consequence to your writing wherever possible and at all stages of the writing process:

1. Plotting: Piece together plot points using logical cause and effect;
2. Character-building: Consider how each character would realistically react to events;
3. Writing: Craft scenes to progress naturally, allowing for spontaneity and obstacles;
4. Editing: Re-read with action-consequence in mind, questioning how each part fits together;
5. Pitching: Highlight action-consequence in your synopsis to showcase a progressive, balanced plot.

Conclusion

The rule of action-consequence is crucial for creating realistic, stable narratives across all genres. By integrating this principle into your planning, writing, and editing, you’ll ensure your story flows naturally and engages readers.

Miles Hawksley is a senior editor at the Literary Studio.