Dauntless Writing Podcast Episode 9: Points of Transition in your Story
In Episode 6, I spoke about the basic structure of a novel encapsulated in the 3 Act Structure. Today, I’ll be expanding on that structure by talking about the points of transition between those acts in more detail.
In this Podcast:
The three major plot points of transition and the two pinch points: 25%, 33%, 50%, 66%, and 75%
25%: The First Plot Point
The point where the story changes from the setup to the reaction.
- Turning point of your story;
- Changes the agenda of the protagonist;
- Stakes brought to bear;
- How it is literally the worst thing that could have happened to the character’s ordinary world;
- Sets up the next 25%, the protagonist’s reaction.
33%: The First Pinch Point
The first look at the Antagonist’s reasoning
- See some of the reasons for the 25%, get some context on the antagonistic forces by showing them (or an aspect of them);
- The importance of defining the antagonistic force;
- Readers love hating your villains so give them a reason here.
50%: The Midpoint
This is where the protagonist goes from the back foot to the front
- Context changes, new information give the protagonist a way to fight back to attack.
- Can be seen as a mirror moment, in character driven plots, the protagonist has a change of heart, decides to take action and goes for it
- In plot-driven stories, the protagonist finds a tool, or some information to be able to respond to the antagonist
66%: The Second Pinch Point
Another peek into the phantom’s parlour
The antagonist will not take this change in the protagonist’s behaviour lying down, this is where he responds and sets up the bigger disaster that is our epic battle at the end
75%: The Second Plot Point
This sets up the final confrontation or disaster that will bring an end to the story. It is where he gets the last bit of information that allows him to face the antagonist in conflict
- It’s the game changer that gives us the satisfying ending.
Links
Write from the Middle by James Scott Bell
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
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