How do the percentages of the beginning, middle, and end of a story affect its overall impact?
The beginning percentage, let's say around 20% for a standard story, is crucial for creating intrigue. It's like the first impression. The middle, which could be 60% or so, has to build on that initial interest. If the middle is not well - balanced in terms of plot development and character arcs, the overall impact is negative. The end, around 20% again, is the final touch. A strong end can make the reader remember the story fondly, while a weak end can ruin the whole experience even if the beginning and middle were good.
A well - proportioned story in terms of these percentages has a great impact. If the beginning is about 15% and is engaging, it pulls the reader in. The middle, 70% full of interesting events and character growth, keeps them hooked. And an end at 15% that ties everything together neatly gives a feeling of satisfaction. However, if the beginning is too short, like less than 10%, the reader may be confused. If the middle is too thin, say 50% or less, the story lacks depth. And if the end is too abrupt, less than 10%, it leaves the reader disappointed.