The Rule of Three!
The rule of three should be important to any writer and here's why: readers like clarity, simplicity, and digestibility- the rule of three helps writers keep the story clear, concise, and easy to read. It prevents the story from becoming convoluted and/or overwhelming, or too simplistic and boring.
The rule of three is how a good writer maps the conflict and how it is resolved. In its simplest form, that is in children's books, the rule of three preps the reader for the action, conflict, or resolution. Take Goldilocks and the three bears, for instance, Goldilocks tried all three chairs, dinners, and beds before she finds the one that is "just right".
The rule of three balances the suspense for the reader. In an adult story, the rule of three usually conveys the resolution of a conflict, process, or climax within the story. The resolution leads to the character growing and/or transforming into something better.
At its simplest, suggests that a trio of characters, events, challenges, or obstacles are more fulfilling and illustrate a point better and more completely than any other number.
However, it can also be used in many different ways across the breadth of a story; from the plot to the structure of the sentences and even names within the story.
The theory is that people find things easier to digest in groups of three. It isn't just a literary tool either, we use it in political rhetoric, we use it in music and songs, and we use it even in sounds not specific to language. Marketers are the kings of speaking in threes, listen to any commercial and you will most likely hear the "buy our product" message at least three times. As a writer, it is a good way to check the content of a story for readability and clarity, but also how it sounds when read.
So there you have it, the rule of three.
Cheers!
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