Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
Exposition
Across a Crowded Bus
Misfit-high-schooler Park spots bully-magnet Eleanor on the morning bus and, to save her from certain torment, he grudgingly gives her a seat.
Rising Action
Love at Second Sight, or Maybe Third…
Eleanor's dealing with a horrifying home life, mostly due to her abusive stepdad, Richie. She starts to look forward to her bus rides with Park and, to her total shock, Park can't stop thinking about her either. Eleanor starts reading Park's comic books over his shoulder, and from there it's a slippery slope: music, mix tapes, hand-holding. Sparks fly, but they have to keep things secret: Richie would not be okay with this.
Climax
Star-Crossed Love Hurts
Eleanor and Park's romance reaches a crescendo of fireworks and violins, but they know it can't last. Eleanor comes home from one heavenly night out with Park and discovers that Richie's found her out.
Falling Action
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Our star-crossed lovers, fearing for Eleanor's life, hatch a plan to get Eleanor to safety. Park borrows the family truck from his understanding parents and drives all night to Eleanor's uncle's house, where she thinks she can stay.
Resolution
Life Goes On
Eleanor and Park are heartbroken, but they learn to cope. Eleanor starts a new life living with her uncle, and though Park writes her tons of letters, Eleanor doesn't write back. Finally, months later, Eleanor sends Park a mysterious postcard. Maybe this isn't the end of their story? We hope it isn't.