Rule of Three

If you've ever taken a writing class then you've probably heard of the rule of three. Things that come in threes are more readily accepted. Need proof? The Three Little Pigs, Three Blind Mice, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Musketeers. Do I need to go on?

When I took writing courses (post college) I heard all about the rule of three. Characters should have three obstacles to face in the story. This is supposed to create tension and let it rise until the climax. But the rule of three can be even more basic than this. It applies to the form of every story: beginning, middle, and end. So every story has three components.

You've probably also noticed characters like to hang out in threes. Harry, Ron, and Hermione ring any bells? And what about love triangles?

Why is this rule of three on my mind today? Well, my WIP is a trilogy. Yup, three books. And my main characters are known as "The Three." I can't help but think about this rule that's supposedly the heart of every story.

How about you? Do you think about the rule of three when you're writing? Do you try to adhere to it?