Here are seven creative and helpful ways to guide young writers through the story step: âBuild the Middle with Rising Action.â Written in simple and friendly English, each method explains how to keep the story exciting by adding challenges, surprises, and emotional moments. Every method comes with a clear reason why itâs important, a fun example, and three gentle cautions to keep your storytelling smooth and strong. These ideas help young minds make their characters grow and keep readers curious about what happens next. A thoughtful conclusion wraps it all up, encouraging writers to build powerful, meaningful middles in their stories.
1. Add Small Challenges One by One
In the middle of a story, instead of one big problem, give your character a few small challenges. Each one should be a little harder than the last. This method builds tension slowly and keeps readers hooked. For example, if your character wants to win a race, first they lose their shoes, then their water bottle spills, then it starts to rain. These rising problems make readers wonder: Will the character give up or keep going?
Small challenges build suspense and show the characterâs strength, patience, and growth.
Example:
A boy wants to bake a birthday cake. First, he forgets the eggs. Then the oven breaks. Then the power goes out!
Cautions:
- Donât add too many problems â keep it clear.
- Avoid problems that feel random or silly.
- Donât forget to show how each challenge affects the character.
2. Let the Character Make a Mistake
In the middle of the story, let your character make a small or big mistake. This mistake should create new problems or make the original problem worse. It makes your story more real and interesting. Everyone makes mistakes â and when characters do too, we connect with them. The middle becomes exciting as the character tries to fix what went wrong. It also opens the door for learning and change by the end of the story.
Mistakes create twists, growth, and emotional depth.
Example:
A girl sends a message to the wrong person and now must fix the confusion before it causes a fight.
Cautions:
- Donât make the mistake too silly or mean.
- Avoid solving the mistake too quickly.
- Donât forget to show how the mistake changes your characterâs feelings.
3. Use a Time Limit or Race
Adding a time limit makes the middle of your story feel fast and exciting. It adds pressure to your characterâs actions. Whether itâs a clock ticking, a contest, or a deadline, this method makes every moment count. The reader gets pulled into the tension and wants to know if the character will make it on time.
Time pressure keeps the story moving quickly and helps build suspense naturally.
Example:
A girl has one hour to return a lost puppy before the shelter closes.
Cautions:
- Donât choose an unrealistic or confusing time limit.
- Avoid skipping important details just to rush the action.
- Donât forget to show how the time pressure affects the characterâs emotions.
4. Introduce a Helpful or Tricky Side Character
Bring in a new character in the middle â someone who either helps or confuses the main character. This adds tension and freshness to the plot. Maybe itâs a funny friend, a clever stranger, or someone who gives the wrong advice. How your main character reacts to this person shows growth and problem-solving. These side characters can also make the story more fun or meaningful.
A new character changes the direction of the story and adds new emotional layers.
Example:
Just when a boy is about to give up his search, he meets a little girl who knows a secret shortcut.
Cautions:
- Donât let the side character take over the story.
- Avoid making them too powerful or too silly.
- Donât forget to connect them to the main problem.
5. Add a Surprise Twist or Change in Plan
In the rising action, give your story a surprise twist â something the character didnât expect. A change in weather, a new discovery, or a hidden truth can shift the storyâs path. This keeps readers excited and helps the character grow by thinking differently or trying a new approach. Surprises show how your character handles change and builds resilience.
Surprises keep readers guessing and create energy in the middle of the story.
Example:
A boy searching for treasure finds out the map was upside down all along!
Cautions:
- Donât make the twist too big for a short story.
- Avoid changing the story too much â stay on track.
- Donât forget to connect the twist to the ending.
6. Show the Characterâs Inner Conflict
Let the character feel confused inside. They might be unsure of what to do, scared of failing, or torn between two choices. Inner conflict adds emotion and makes the story deeper. While outside action happens, show the character thinking, worrying, or doubting. This builds empathy and helps readers understand their mind.
Inner conflict makes characters feel real and prepares for emotional change in the ending.
Example:
A girl finds her lost friend but wonders if she should say sorry or stay silent.
Cautions:
- Donât use only thoughts â balance with action.
- Avoid making the character look weak the whole time.
- Donât forget to resolve the conflict later.
7. Use Repetition to Build Tension
Let your character try again and again â and fail â before moving closer to the goal. Repeating efforts (like knocking on doors, trying clues, or making calls) builds pressure and shows determination. This makes the middle longer, stronger, and more emotionally charged. Repetition also helps readers feel the struggle and cheer for the character.
Repeating actions builds suspense and shows persistence, an important character strength.
Example:
A boy asks three neighbors for help, but all say no â until one gives him a small clue.
Cautions:
- Donât repeat too much â it can feel boring.
- Avoid using the same words or actions each time.
- Donât forget to show change with each try.
Conclusion
The middle of a short story is where the real excitement begins. Itâs where your character faces problems, grows stronger, and moves closer to the goal. Using creative methods like adding small challenges, time pressure, emotional conflict, or unexpected twists helps make the rising action powerful and meaningful. These steps also build curiosity in the reader and teach important lessons like courage, effort, and self-understanding. A strong middle keeps the heart of the story beating â connecting the exciting beginning to a satisfying end. Just like in life, it’s not only about where the journey starts or ends â itâs about what happens in the middle. When you build it with care, creativity, and emotion, your story becomes unforgettable. So keep the action rising, let the emotions grow, and show how your character shines â step by step. The middle is the muscle of the story. Give it strength, and your tale will stand tall!
