What is the Fichtean curve? Definition & Examples

There are many ways to tell a tale, and some structures can make a story more engaging and memorable. One such structure is the Fichtean curve.

This blog post explores what the Fichtean curve is, how it works, and how you can use it in your writing.

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The Fichtean curve is a term used to describe a specific story structure that focuses on continuous, rising action. It’s named after the German philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte, who’s not typically associated with storytelling but whose ideas about self-consciousness and conflict inspired this narrative technique.

The Fichtean curve revolves around creating a fast-paced plot with lots of tension. Unlike traditional story arcs, where the plot gradually builds up to a climax, the Fichtean curve maintains a sense of urgency and drama throughout the story. It often begins in the middle of the action, creating immediate conflict, and keeps intensifying until it reaches a high point, then resolves quickly.

This structure is often used in genres where quick pacing is important, such as thrillers, mysteries, and action-packed adventures. It keeps readers engaged by always moving forward with new twists and turns.

Imagine you’re writing a mystery novel. Instead of setting the scene slowly, you might open with a dramatic event, such as a crime happening right before the reader’s eyes. This action immediately raises questions: Who committed the crime? Why? And how will the protagonist solve it?

In the Fichtean curve, the story doesn't pause to give the reader time to breathe. Each chapter or scene ups the ante, making the protagonist face new challenges that make solving the mystery seem even more difficult. The result is a narrative that’s packed with tension and urgency, keeping the reader hooked until the final reveal.

This approach can be especially useful in keeping your audience invested in the outcome of the story. Since the tension never fully dissipates, readers will feel a sense of anticipation that lasts throughout the entire narrative.

One great example of the Fichtean curve can be found in crime thrillers, such as those written by authors like Agatha Christie or Lee Child. Imagine a novel where the opening chapter shows a murder taking place, and right from there, the protagonist is thrust into a whirlwind of interviews, clues, and red herrings. Every new piece of evidence raises more questions, and each lead ends in more danger or confusion, keeping the pressure high. There’s no lull in the story; every chapter introduces something new and exciting until the final confrontation or twist at the end.

The Fichtean curve is also a staple in action movies. Think of movies like Die Hard or Mad Max. From the start, the protagonist faces a high-stakes situation, and each scene escalates the action. There’s little time for quiet moments of reflection or slow development; it’s all about building the intensity with each new obstacle. The climax is often reached when the protagonist faces the ultimate showdown, but by that time, the audience is so invested that the resolution feels hard-earned.

In adventure stories, like Indiana Jones or Pirates of the Caribbean, the Fichtean curve can be seen in how the hero is always one step away from danger. Every moment brings a new challenge, whether it’s escaping traps, deciphering ancient texts, or outwitting the antagonist. The plot races toward the final resolution with barely a pause to catch the breath of both the characters and the audience.

So why might you want to use the Fichtean curve in your own writing? Here are a few reasons why it’s such an effective structure:

While the Fichtean curve can be an exciting and engaging way to structure a story, it’s not without its challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

If you want to try the Fichtean curve in your own writing, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Rather than easing into the story, dive right into a high-stakes situation. This will immediately engage the reader and make them want to know what happens next.

Each new scene should raise the stakes, introducing new challenges or obstacles that keep the reader hooked. The goal is to keep the action moving forward, so each event should build toward the next.

Don’t let the story slow down too much. While it’s important to have moments for character reflection or world-building, these moments should be brief and should never detract from the overall pace.

The Fichtean curve should culminate in a dramatic climax that brings all the rising tension to a head. This is the moment the reader has been waiting for, so make it count.

The Fichtean curve is very effective in short stories, particularly those where the goal is to keep the reader’s attention and create rapid tension. Since short stories usually have limited space for development, the Fichtean curve allows writers to jump into the action right away and maintain a fast pace that culminates in a satisfying resolution. It can help you make every moment of your story count.

You can use the Fichtean curve in longer novels, although you should manage pacing carefully. In a long-form narrative, the tension can ebb and flow with natural lulls between high-action moments, but the principle of continuous rising tension should still apply. For series, the Fichtean curve can help you maintain engagement across multiple books by ensuring that each instalment delivers constant action and conflict, driving readers to continue with the next book.

The Fichtean curve focuses heavily on action, but it doesn’t mean your characters should be one-dimensional. To balance the tension with character development, ensure that each action sequence forces your character to make decisions that reveal their personality, goals, and growth. These decisions don’t always have to be large moments, but should reflect the internal conflicts your characters face as they navigate external challenges.

While the Fichtean curve originated in storytelling, it can be effectively applied to other media, including film, television, and video games. In film and TV, this structure is commonly used in fast-paced genres like action and thriller, where tension continually rises and characters face escalating challenges. In video games, the Fichtean curve is often reflected in the gameplay, where players are constantly confronted with new obstacles and conflicts, leading to a final climax or resolution. 

To prevent overwhelming your readers with nonstop action, make sure  to vary the type of conflict. While the pace remains quick, the challenges your protagonist faces should not all be the same. Mix physical action with emotional challenges, moral dilemmas, and moments of revelation. Additionally, you can offer brief moments of respite where the character reflects on their situation or prepares for the next challenge. These pauses don’t need to be long but will help provide balance.

Many writers combine different story structures to suit the needs of their narrative. For instance, you could start with a traditional narrative structure and then shift to a Fichtean curve during a critical section of the story, when the action intensifies. Make sure the transitions feel natural so the story doesn’t lose its flow.

If you're passionate about writing and want to take your skills further, why not explore more in-depth? Centre of Excellence offers a variety of courses, including a Novel Writing Diploma Course, which covers everything from plot structures like the Fichtean curve to character development and genre-specific writing techniques. And right now, you can get the course for a discounted price of just £29!