Creating a captivating story is like constructing a complex puzzle. Each piece, or in this case, each plot point, must fit seamlessly to engage your readers or viewers. These plot points serve as the structural framework of your narrative, akin to a skeleton upon which you'll flesh out your story.
First, let's define each plot point.
1. The Inciting Incident:
In the opening pages of your story, you need a compelling hook that grabs your audience's attention. This inciting incident should captivate readers and involve your protagonist directly, setting them on a path they cannot escape. Your inciting incident must contain the following.
• Compelling Hook: The hook functions as the literary device or narrative element immediately seizing the reader's attention. It can be an intriguing image, an unexpected event, a thought-provoking question, a memorable line of dialogue, or any other element that piques curiosity. A compelling hook compels the reader to continue, driven by the desire to discover what happens next.
• Inciting Incident: The inciting incident marks the moment in the story when something significant occurs, disrupting the protagonist's ordinary world and igniting the plot's momentum. This incident often serves as the catalyst for the ensuing events. It's the point at which the story's central conflict becomes evident, and the protagonist's life undergoes a fundamental transformation.
• Involvement of the Protagonist: The inciting incident should directly engage the protagonist. It's not merely something occurring around them; it's an event that impacts them personally, causing the reader to empathize and invest in the protagonist's journey.
• Setting the Protagonist on an Inescapable Path: The inciting incident is a turning point that propels the protagonist into a series of events they can't easily depart from. It presents a challenge, a mystery, a threat, or an opportunity that the protagonist must address. Their choices and actions in response to the inciting incident place them on a progressively more difficult path to deviate from. As the story progresses, the stakes rise, and the protagonist's commitment to their new path deepens.
2. Point of No Return:
At approximately a quarter of the way into your story, you must introduce a pivotal moment that fundamentally alters the protagonist's life, driving the narrative forward and serving as the conclusion to act one. This plot point is a critical turning point in the story structure, it must be comprised of the following aspects.
• Structural Placement: Act one is often considered the setup phase of a traditional three-act structure. It's where the story's world, characters, and initial conflicts are established. As the story reaches the end of this act, the narrative transitions into a new phase, typically marked by a significant event. This turning point helps maintain the story's momentum, guiding it toward the challenges and conflicts that will dominate Act Two.
• Protagonist's Transformation: The pivotal moment serves as a catalyst for the protagonist's transformation. It's the point at which they are pushed out of their comfort zone or face a life-altering decision. This event often challenges the protagonist's beliefs, desires, or motivations, forcing them to reevaluate their goals or embark on a new path. It launches the protagonist on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
• Heightened Stakes: The introduction of this plot point raises the story's stakes. It propels the narrative into its central conflict and creates a sense of urgency or increased tension. The choices made by the protagonist at this juncture can have far-reaching consequences, intensifying both the external and internal conflicts they must grapple with in the following acts.
• Audience Engagement: This pivotal moment captivates the reader or viewer by creating a sense of anticipation and curiosity. It's a critical part of storytelling that keeps the audience engaged and eager to learn how the protagonist will respond to the challenges that follow. The emotional investment in the character's journey deepens by the profound impact of this event on their life.
• Narrative Momentum: The end of Act One and the introduction of the pivotal moment ensure that the story doesn't linger in the setup phase. Instead, it propels the narrative forward, setting the stage for the escalating conflicts and obstacles the protagonist will face in act two. This pacing technique helps maintain the reader's interest and keeps the story from becoming stagnant.
3. The Pinch:
As your story unfolds, it's imperative to maintain a sense of increasing tension and significance, which is achieved by raising the stakes for your characters. Somewhere in the range between the midpoint and three-quarters mark of your narrative, typically around the second act's climax (although there's no strict rule governing its precise placement), your protagonist should encounter a pivotal decision laden with far-reaching consequences. This high-stakes decision is called “The Pinch.” Your protagonist must face a decision that leads to two paths. No matter which path, your protagonist chooses, there must be no turning back once they make their decision. This plot point plays a vital role in advancing the story and character development, and here's a more comprehensive explanation of its significance:
• Structural Placement: This critical decision point typically falls somewhere in the story's latter half of the second act. It marks the point at which the story's central conflicts come to a head, and the protagonist confronts a life-altering choice. It bridges the gap between the initial setup and the impending resolution, ensuring that the story maintains its narrative momentum.
• Escalating Stakes: The protagonist's decision at this juncture is characterized by its high stakes. The consequences of their choice are far-reaching, impacting the protagonist, other characters, and the overarching plot. This moment is crucial for sustaining and heightening the tension in the story, as the reader becomes acutely aware of the potential outcomes.
• Character Development: The pivotal decision is a moment for character development. It reveals the inner conflicts, values, and growth of the protagonist. The choice they make reflects their evolving character arc and can demonstrate their willingness to change or confront their flaws. It's an opportunity for the audience to connect with the character on a deeper level.
• Plot Progression: This decision point propels the plot forward by determining the direction of the narrative's final act. It sets the stage for the climactic conflicts and resolutions, ensuring that the story is on a trajectory toward its conclusion. The outcome of this choice often leads to a cascade of events that form the climax and resolution of the story.
• Reader Engagement: The high-stakes decision captivates the audience, inviting them to consider the implications and potential outcomes. It fosters a sense of anticipation and investment as readers or viewers eagerly follow the protagonist's journey, eager to discover how this critical choice will shape the story's conclusion.
4. Tragedy:
A pivotal plot point known as "The Tragedy" marks the end of Act Two. This is the point where your protagonist is confronted with their most daunting and emotionally taxing trial. The Tragedy serves as the narrative's lowest point, where it appears impossible for the protagonist to surmount their central obstacle. The tragedy must adhere to the following aspects.
• Structural Placement: The Tragedy imarks the end of Act Two, which is the lead-up to the climax of the story. This structural placement creates a well-defined narrative arc, with the Tragedy representing the story's most intense moment of conflict and despair. It serves as a prelude to the climax, where the central conflict will be resolved.
• Intense Emotional Conflict: The Tragedy is characterized by the protagonist's confrontation with their most profound emotional and personal challenges. It is a point in the story where their inner and outer conflicts reach their zenith. The obstacles they face at this juncture are often deeply intertwined with their personal fears, weaknesses, and doubts. These inner struggles make the Tragedy particularly powerful and poignant.
• Overcoming Desperation: The protagonist's journey through the Tragedy can make it seem almost impossible for them to prevail. They may encounter insurmountable odds, face overwhelming losses, or confront a moral crisis that pushes them to their limits. This sense of desperation and hopelessness intensifies the emotional impact of the narrative.
• Character Growth and Resilience: The Tragedy often serves as a crucible through which the protagonist's character is tested and reshaped. It is a moment of reckoning where the protagonist's true nature and their ability to endure and evolve are put to the test. In overcoming the lowest point, the protagonist may gain a newfound determination and strength.
• Narrative Tension: The Tragedy creates significant narrative tension, as the audience becomes deeply invested in the protagonist's fate and is eager to see how they will navigate their seemingly insurmountable challenges. This plot point heightens anticipation and keeps readers engaged as they wait to see how the protagonist will rebound.
5. Face-off:
As your story hurtles towards its conclusion, the pivotal plot point known as "The Face-Off" takes center stage. In the final act, the protagonist and the antagonist engage in an endgame conflict that is the culmination of the entire narrative. Everything is on the line, and it's a do-or-die situation for both parties. The conflict reaches its zenith, and readers are held in suspense, eagerly anticipating the resolution. The face-off must contain the following aspects.
• Structural Placement: The Face-Off occurs in the third act of the story. This positioning ensures a well-defined narrative structure, with the Face-Off serving as the climactic confrontation that will decide the fate of both the protagonist and the antagonist.
• High-Stakes Conflict: The Face-Off is marked by an extraordinary level of tension and conflict. The protagonist and antagonist, whose opposing goals and motivations have been driving the story, now clash in an intense battle of wills. The stakes are at their highest point, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences.
• Character Development: This pivotal moment often represents the outcome of the protagonist's character arc. It's a test of their growth, strength, and resolve. The Face-Off challenges the protagonist to apply the lessons they've learned throughout the story and confront their deepest fears, flaws, or insecurities. The outcome of this confrontation may reflect their personal growth.
• Emotional Intensity: The emotional intensity of the Face-Off must be palpable. The reader or viewer is deeply invested in the protagonist's journey and eager to see them overcome the antagonist. The emotions, motivations, and conflicts that have been building throughout the story come to a head in this climactic moment.
• Reader Engagement: This plot point captivates the audience, holding their attention and creating a sense of anticipation. It's the moment where readers or viewers root for the protagonist and are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how the conflict will be resolved.
6. Culmination:
The Culmination, which follows the Face-Off in the story's final act, is the point where all the threads of the narrative are woven together, and the story reaches its conclusion. This plot point is crucial for delivering a satisfying resolution to readers. The culmination must contain these aspects.
• Structural Closure: The Culmination brings the story to a close, providing a sense of structural closure and fulfillment to the narrative arc. It is where the various plotlines, conflicts, and character arcs converge, offering a sense of completeness to the overall story.
• Resolution and Satisfaction: This plot point serves as the moment where the readers find out how the story ends. It answers the key questions: Who emerges victorious? What was sacrificed or lost? What was gained, and at what cost? It's a critical juncture for delivering satisfaction to the audience, ensuring that the story's resolution aligns with their expectations and emotional investment.
• Character Outcomes: The Culmination is the point where the fates of the characters are decided. The protagonist's character arc is often brought to a conclusion, showcasing their personal growth and transformation throughout the story. Additionally, it reveals what happens to the antagonist and the supporting characters, giving readers closure on their individual journeys.
• Theme - The Culmination: is an opportunity to reinforce the story's central theme. It can highlight the values, lessons, and messages that have been explored throughout the narrative.
• Catharsis and Emotional Impact: This is where the emotional catharsis of the story occurs. It's the moment where readers experience a release of emotions, whether it be joy, sadness, relief, or a mix of emotions, depending on the story's resolution. The emotional impact is a crucial aspect of storytelling, and The Culmination is where it takes center stage.
• Conflict Resolution: The Culmination addresses the central conflict's resolution. Whether it's the protagonist's victory, a compromise, or a bittersweet outcome, this is where the main conflict's fate is sealed. It provides a clear answer to the central question or challenge that has driven the narrative.
• Closure for Loose Ends: Beyond the central conflicts, The Culmination wraps up any loose ends or subplots, offering clarity to the audience and ensuring that no critical questions remain unanswered. This contributes to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction for the reader.
A Literary Example
Now, lets take one of literature’s greatest horror stories, Salem’s Lot, by Stephen King and explore how it upholds these plot points.
1. The Inciting Incident: The inciting incident occurs when Ben Mears, the novel's protagonist, returns to his hometown of Jerusalem's Lot (Salem's Lot) with the intent to write a book about the infamous Marsten House. He encounters various townspeople and begins to suspect that something is amiss, setting the stage for the supernatural horrors that will follow.
2. The Point of No Return (End of Act 1): The point of no return happens when Ben Mears realizes the town is being plagued by vampires. He uncovers evidence of these supernatural creatures, such as the growing number of missing townspeople. Ben's decision to confront the vampire threat marks the end of the story's initial setup and sets him on a path he cannot escape.
3. The Pinch: The pinch occurs as Ben, along with a small group of survivors, faces increasingly dire circumstances. Is it fight or flight for Ben? He and the others have made efforts to fight the vampires and have encountered numerous challenges, including the revelation that the town is under the control of the powerful vampire Kurt Barlow and his human servant, Richard Straker. This moment intensifies the conflict and raises the stakes, pushing the characters to their limits.
4. The Tragedy: The tragedy in "Salem's Lot" is a moment of deep despair and loss. It occurs when some of the main characters, including Susan Norton and Mark Petrie, suffer tragic fates at the hands of the vampires. Their deaths represent the story's lowest point, and it seems nearly impossible for the survivors to overcome the overwhelming vampire threat.
5. The Face-Off: The face-off in the novel is the final climactic battle between the remaining human survivors and the vampires, including the powerful Kurt Barlow. Ben Mears, Mark Petrie, and the others engage in a life-and-death struggle to rid the town of the vampire menace once and for all. It's an endgame showdown with everything on the line, where the conflict reaches its climax, and readers eagerly anticipate the resolution.
6. The Culmination: The culmination occurs as the survivors emerge victorious in their battle against the vampires. The town of Salem's Lot is left in ruins, and the surviving characters are forever changed by their ordeal. The story reaches its resolution as Ben Mears and Mark Petrie leave the town, signifying a sense of closure and a new beginning for the characters. This moment wraps up the narrative, provides closure for the audience, and underscores the impact of the characters' journeys.
Assignment:
Write a document that outlines your story’s plot points. It’s as simple as filling out a form. Write the plot points as paragraph headers and fill in your story’s information. Remember, you are not writing your novel yet so keep it short. Each plot point should be one to three sentences. Don’t overthink it. You will find as you write your plot points that your story will come into even more focus. Many of the details will fade into view in your mind. You won’t be able to stop the creative creature from rampaging in your head. You will find yourself thinking about your story all the time. This is a great place to be. Your document might look like this:
Your Name
Your Story Title
Plot Breakdown
Inciting Incident:
Your story’s information.
Point of No Return:
Your story’s point of no return.
Pinch:
Your story’s pinch.
Tragedy:
Your story’s tragedy.
Face-Off:
Your story’s face-off.
Culmination:
Your story’s culmination.
Watch a Novel Grow in Realtime
Continuing forward with the novel, Thornhill: Strange Love, here is my plot point summary.
Inciting incident: Charles tells his brother he is leaving to join the traveling show as they stand around their father's new grave, a re-internment from their old residential cemetery to the Endicott Mansion Family Plot.
Point of no return: Charles walks the hall of banners with Nicholas Noir and imprints on the banner of Gunther the Clown. Something changes inside him. The essence of Gunther the Clown flows into Charles’s soul. From this point, Charles must contend for his own identity against Gunther’s presence.
Pinch: Do Charles and Angelique stay with the traveling show and face Clytus, or do they flee and try to regain their former lives? Staying with the traveling show seems like the easiest path, but staying will compromise their identities to their respective spiritual intruders bit by bit. They decide to flee.
Tragedy: After years of seclusion, Clytus finally finds Charles and Angelique when Nicholas Noir's carnival comes to their town. Overcome by the magical draw of the carnival, Angelique goes to the carnival grounds, where Clytus captures her. When Charles tries to save her, he is captured, staked down, and left for dead as the carnival caravans away.
Face-off: Charles attacks Nicholas Noir and kills him, saving Angelique. Before the power of Nicholas Noir settles on him, he flees the carnival with Angelique.
Culmination: Charles and Angelique move into the Thornhill Mansion with Cornelius and Bram. They live out the rest of their lives, shortened by the effects of the carnival. Cornelius buries them in the family plot.
