Both lovers have fully realized arcs and change over the course of the story. In terms of story (emotional journey), it’s fairly well balanced. Stella’s actions do, however, drive the plot of Act 1. So, why do I say Michael is the primary romantic lead? It’s because his actions drive the majority of the plot in Act 2 and Act 3. Plan: Michael takes steps to pursue his dream career and Stella (because he finally believes she really loves him).Ĭlimax: He convinces Stella he loves her for who she is and is ready to be her real boyfriend. Struggle: Michael realizes he’s falling in love with Stella even as he struggles with his family, bills, and lack of self-worth.Įpiphany: He realizes he is NOT his father and he has worth as a person.

Trigger: He can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer to be her “practice boyfriend.” Act 2Ĭrisis: Michael is terrified he’s turning into his scumbag, womanizer father. He doesn’t do it because he wants to but because he desperately needs the money.īackstory: His dad is a terrible person and Michael has bills piling up.

And here are Michael’s Checkpoints: Act 1 Plan: She decides she will find someone who loves her for who she is and is not a charity case.Ĭlimax: Michael confesses he was wrong and that he truly loves her for who she is.Įnding: They live happily ever after. He ultimately breaks up with her and she tries to change herself into the kind of woman she thinks he wants.Įpiphany: She realizes she’s not broken and she doesn’t need to change herself for Michael. Struggle: He reconsiders, and throughout their relationship, she ends up meeting his family, which throws off her routines. Act 2Ĭrisis: Stella assumes his refusal is because she’s SO BAD at sex and her lack of self-confidence overwhelms her. Trigger: Michael (a male escort she’s hired) refuses her proposal that he tutor her and give her lessons according to a curriculum she’s worked out. Hook: She reveals she prefers working on Saturdays to dating.īackstory: Stella has LOTS of money and is insecure about her social skills because she’s on the autism spectrum.

Now, back to structure! Here are Stella’s Nine Story Structure Checkpoints: Act 1 I think this trend is becoming less common over time since, frankly, it is a bit sexist. Many heterosexual romances (especially in the 80s and 90s) are more about the man changing than the woman. His story structure checkpoints dominate the narrative. He doesn’t believe he’s good enough for anyone, but especially a successful career woman like Stella.Īs a quick side note, I’d call Michael the “Primary Romantic Lead” in this book because, while Stella does overcome her flaw and change, the book is a little bit *more* about him.

Stella lane the kiss quotient