Plot Point #2

Similar to Plot Point #1 in Act 1, Plot Point #2 Represents a Change of Direction, The Protagonist is Moved to - or Forced to, Change Direction

Allow the Protagonist to Succeed, and Rebuild Their Confidence

Prepare the Protagonist for the Final Confrontation

The Mentor Should Also Experience a Change of Direction Here

A Point of Consideration

After the Midpoint, Give the Protagonist Time to Consider Their Next Move

Allow Them to Reflect on the Lesson Learned - Show the Impact on Their Overall Character Arc

Slow the Pace for a Few Beats to Let the Reader Empathize with the Protagonist

A Meeting of the Minds

The Mentor and the Protagonist may Review the Conflict so far

The Mentor May be Missing, so the Protagonist May Be On Their Own

Conflict Can Result from Differing Opinions about the Conflicts Resolution

Reminders for Plot Point #2

Develop the Character Ar5c so the Reader Cares about What Happens

Focus on the Main Conflict of the Story – Don’t Get Off Track

Now is Past the Time to Introduce New Characters

The Muddle in the Middle Often Comes from Following Rabbit Trails

The Muddle is Defeated By:

Interesting People

Doing Interesting things

In Interesting Places

Interesting Requires Goal(s), Motivation, and Conflict

Example: The Lion King

Simba is Led to a Reflecting Pool where He Discovers His Father Mufasa “Living” in Him

As a Result, He Decides to Return to the Kingdom

Example: Hunger Games

Katniss Destroys the Supplied Other Tributes were Using to Survive

As a Result, She Gains an Edge Moving Her Towards the Story Climax … then Disaster Strikes

Key Takeaways

The Midpoint Contains a Major Conflict/Confrontation in the Story

The Muddle in the Middle is Cause by a Lack of Dramatic Event, Lack of a Change in Perspective, or Over-telling

The Second Plot Point is a Change of Direction

The Muddle in the Middle is Defeated by Interesting People Doing Interesting Things in Interesting Places