Part 3 - The 5 Phase Story Flow
The 5-Phase Story Flow
Most stories don’t fail because of bad ideas.
They fail because the creator doesn’t understand flow.
In this video, you’ll learn the 5-Phase Story Flow—a simple, repeatable way to shape any story so it builds momentum, creates emotional payoff, and actually lands an ending.
This isn’t about rules or page counts.
It’s about understanding how stories naturally move from normal, to disruption, to pressure, to decision, and finally change.
By the end of this video, you’ll be able to:
See the shape of a story at a glance
Understand where your story is stuck
And know what it needs next
This flow works for manga, short stories, films, games, and even YouTube videos.
1. Hook (0:00–0:30)
Goal: Reframe the problem
“Most storytelling advice tells you what to write… not why your story feels stuck.”
Quick promise: a simple way to see the whole story at once
Emphasize this is a flow, not a formula
2. What the 5-Phase Flow Is (0:30–1:30)
Goal: High-level clarity
Introduce the idea of stories moving through phases, not acts
Explain that each phase answers a different story question
Mention that this flow works across mediums (manga, film, games)
Optional visual:
Simple line or wave diagram showing rising pressure and release
3. The Five Phases — Big Picture (1:30–3:30)
Goal: Give the audience the map
Briefly introduce each phase without details:
The Baseline
– What “normal” looks like before change
The Disruption
– The moment that breaks the status quo
Promise & Escalation
– Rising pressure and signals of what the story is about
The Descent
– The point where things get darker and harder
The Reckoning
– The final decision and its consequences
Keep each explanation to 1–2 sentences.
4. Why This Flow Works (3:30–4:30)
Goal: Differentiate from other courses
Most courses jump straight into plot mechanics
This flow focuses on momentum and meaning
It works because it mirrors how humans experience change
Optional line:
“Stories don’t move in straight lines. They compress, collide, and release.”
5. How to Use This Flow (4:30–5:30)
Goal: Make it practical immediately
You can use this to:
Outline a new story
Diagnose a broken one
Fix pacing issues
Emphasize that this is a zoomed-out view
Each phase will be broken down in detail later
6. Transition to the Course (5:30–6:00)
Goal: Set expectations
Let them know:
Each phase will get its own deep dive
You’ll connect this flow to character, theme, and decision-making
Encourage them not to overthink it yet
End with something like:
“For now, just remember the shape. We’ll fill in the details together.”