Outlines vary by stories and writers. This is simply an example.
Plot: What is the story about?
Characters:
Protagonist/Main Character: What makes the character interesting, relatable...? How is the character unfairly wounded (examples: significant other/loved one died, injured, penalized for something that was in no way his fault)
Antagonist/Bad Guy: How is the character capable of defeating the protagonist?
Supporting Characters:
Subplots: What is happening in the protagonist's and other main characters' lives that's not directly part of the plot?
Ideas:
Story Details:
What happens that needs to be investigated? (murder, abduction, disappearance, etc.)
Why is the protagonist investigating it?
What knowledge and experience help the protagonist/antagonist?
Who reported the (murder, abduction, disappearance, etc.)? Witnesses? (At least three)
Who are the suspects and why are they suspected?
Why did the (murder, abduction, disappearance, etc.) happen?
What secrets or complications affect the investigation?
What clues or evidence leads to solving the (murder, abduction, disappearance, etc.)?
How is the antagonist caught?
What does the protagonist/main characters learn about themselves during the investigation?
Outline:
Beginning: Chapter 1: Hook, Inciting Incident, Introduction to the main character(s)
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 10: Transition from the beginning to the middle.
Middle 1: Chapter 11: Introduction to a secondary plot or a major event
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20: Major event/climax
Middle 2: Chapter 21:
Chapter 22:
Chapter 23:
Chapter 24:
Chapter 25:
Chapter 26:
Chapter 27:
Chapter 28:
Chapter 29:
Chapter 30: Transition to ending
Ending: Chapter 31:
Chapter 32:
Chapter 33:
Chapter 34:
Chapter 35:
Chapter 36:
Chapter 37:
Chapter 38:
Chapter 39: Ending battle
Epilogue
Character Template
Name:
Description:
Birthday:
Birth Location:
Zodiac Sign(s):
Family Heritage/Ethnicity:
Culture/Subculture, if any:
Religion, if any:
Parents:
Siblings:
Other Family:
Spouse/SO:
Children:
Occupation:
Innate Talents:
Knowledge/Skills:
Hobbies:
Housing:
Finances:
Personality:
Personal Quirks:
Weaknesses/ Bad Habits:
Regrets:
Back Story:
Traumatic Experiences:
Views on Relationships: