Write Wild: Plot Arc Summary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Monday, July 27, 2020

Plot Arc Summary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, this 5-point plot synopsis may interest you, especially if you're also a writer. There’s a little bit of disagreement around how others define them, but this is my take. The Marathon Method of Plotting is the easiest way to break down plot and analyze any story.

The Signup

A mysterious letter arrives for Harry, but he is not allowed to open it. More letters continue to arrive in the days before his 11th birthday, though he is prevented from opening any of them.

If Harry had never received the letter, there would be no story.

The Gunshot

Harry boards the train at King’s Cross Station at Platform 9¾ to go to Hogwarts.

When Harry takes a leap of faith to board the train to Hogwarts, his journey begins.

The Halfway Point

Harry, Ron, and Hermione discover a three-headed dog, and Hermione points out that it was guarding a trap door to something.

This is a hingepoint in the story and now they want to know what is hiding down there.

The Wall

Harry is almost seized by Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest, but a centaur saves him.

This is Harry’s lowest point, even lying on the ground, nearly at the mercy of Lord Voldemort. But the centaur’s rescue does not end the book or solve the main problem, so Harry still has a bit of work to do.

The Finish Line

Harry lies to Quirrel about what he sees in the mirror. He defeats Quirrel by touching him, and Quirrel’s skin burns on contact.

Defeating Quirrel, Voldemort’s human host, releases Voldemort back into spirit form and Harry is safe… for now.

For more plot summaries, see my Plot Arc Library.

QUESTION: What's your favorite scene in this Harry Potter book? I know it's hard to choose; there are so many good ones! I love the snake scene at the zoo and also the sorting hat. Leave a comment and let me know!