The Rule Of Three - Why It's Important To Fail Twice Before Succeeding
The Rule of Three is one of the most enduring and effective storytelling principles, a narrative tool that has shaped stories across cultures and centuries. From fairy tales like “The Three Little Pigs” to modern blockbusters like “Star Wars,” the Rule of Three creates a rhythm that captivates audiences, builds tension, and delivers satisfying resolutions. In fiction writing, this principle is particularly powerful when applied to a protagonist’s journey, especially the pattern of failing twice before succeeding on the third attempt. This structure not only enhances narrative depth but also mirrors the human experience of perseverance, making characters relatable and their victories meaningful.
By adopting a rule of three mindset, it creates a concept that we can use in many ways such as in comedy (setup, buildup, punchline) and in literature (three acts, three challenges, three characters). Its power lies in its simplicity and symmetry. One is too few, suggesting incompleteness; two feels like a pair, lacking balance; four or more can overwhelm. Three strikes a perfect chord, offering a beginning, middle, and end that feels complete. This works especially well with character trios, like Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the “Harry Potter” series, each complementing the others’ strengths. Most crucially for this discussion, the Rule of Three shapes a protagonist’s arc through a pattern of attempt, failure, and eventual success, creating a narrative rhythm that keeps readers engaged.
In a previous blog I mentioned about the importance of your story’s message and by following the rule of three, it aligns with how humans process information and experience life. Psychologically, our brains are wired to recognise patterns and three is the smallest number needed to establish one. When a story introduces an event, repeats it with variation, and resolves it on the third try, it creates a sense of progression and closure. This pattern mirrors learning processes: we try, fail, adjust, and succeed, making the Rule of Three feel intuitive and universal. Narratively, it can build tension and anticipation. The first attempt introduces the challenge, the second escalates the stakes, and the third delivers the end result or in a story’s case, the conclusion.
This structure prevents stories from feeling too predictable or rushed. If a protagonist succeeds on the first try, the victory feels unearned, robbing the story of drama. If they fail repeatedly without resolution, readers grow frustrated. Three attempts strike a balance, allowing enough struggle to make success meaningful without exhausting the audience.
In fiction, the Rule of Three is most impactful when applied to a protagonist’s attempts to overcome a central conflict. The pattern of failing twice before succeeding on the third try is a storytelling staple because it mirrors the arc of growth, resilience, and transformation that defines compelling characters. This is reflected in both my crime fiction series, The Blake Langford Adventures and my two children’s series where the main protagonist is forced to work for their objective to achieve the result.
The protagonist’s first attempt at their goal introduces the conflict and sets the stakes. This failure is critical because it reveals the challenge’s difficulty, making the story’s world feel authentic and the goal worth pursuing. A protagonist who succeeds immediately risks seeming invincible, which flattens the narrative and alienates readers. Failure humanizes the character, showing their limitations and vulnerabilities. A classic example of this is in “The Lord of the Rings” as Frodo’s first attempt to resist the Ring’s influence fails when he succumbs to its power at Weathertop, nearly dooming himself and his companions. This failure establishes the Ring’s seductive danger and Frodo’s initial weakness, setting up a long, arduous journey. Readers see that the quest won’t be easy, which hooks them into rooting for Frodo’s growth.
The first failure also serves a practical purpose: it forces the protagonist to confront their flaws or unpreparedness. Whether it’s a lack of skill, knowledge, or resolve, this setback highlights what the character must overcome, laying the groundwork for their arc. It’s the narrative equivalent of a wake-up call, pushing the story forward and deepening the protagonist’s motivation.
The second failure is where the Rule of Three flexes its dramatic muscle. After the first setback, the protagonist adjusts their approach, perhaps gaining new skills or allies. Yet, they fail again, often worse than before. This escalation heightens tension, making the goal seem nearly unattainable and the consequences of failure more dire. The second failure tests the protagonist’s resilience, forcing them to dig deeper and confront their inner demons. The second failure is crucial because it prevents the story from resolving too soon. It also deepens the protagonist’s character by exposing their flaws under pressure. Readers connect with characters who struggle, as these moments mirror real-life setbacks. By failing twice, the protagonist becomes relatable, their eventual success feeling earned rather than inevitable.
The third attempt is the story’s climax, where the protagonist finally succeeds. This victory is satisfying because it’s built on the foundation of two failures, each teaching the character something vital. The protagonist has grown, adapted, and overcome their flaws, making their triumph a testament to their resilience and transformation. In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Harry’s journey to defeat Voldemort follows this pattern. His first attempt to destroy Horcruxes falters with setbacks like the loss of the Ministry and Ron’s departure. The second attempt worsens as Dumbledore’s secrets unravel, leaving Harry doubting his mentor and himself. By the third attempt, Harry has embraced his role, sacrificing himself to destroy Voldemort’s final Horcrux himself. His resurrection and final victory feel earned because they’re rooted in his growth through failure.
The third success works because it completes the Rule of Three’s pattern, delivering closure while rewarding the reader’s investment. It’s not just about winning; it’s about what the protagonist has become. The two failures ensure the victory carries weight, reflecting the truth that meaningful achievements often require struggle and perseverance.
The Rule of Three is a cornerstone of fiction writing, offering a structure that captivates readers and deepens narratives. By having a protagonist fail twice before succeeding, writers create stories that mirror the human struggle, build suspense, and deliver earned victories. This pattern isn’t just a trick, it’s a reflection of life’s trials and triumphs, making it resonate across time and genres. Whether crafting a fairy tale or a sci-fi epic, the Rule of Three, with its rhythm of failure, failure, and success, ensures your story leaves a lasting impression. So, as you write, let your protagonist stumble twice, rise stronger, and triumph on the third try, your readers will thank you for it.
Until next time, write on.
John Roberts