Concept

Turning points

You might say: plot points, key moments, beats

Moments that turn the story in a new direction. Each one pushes the protagonist past her habits into new ground.

What it does

Gives the plot its shape: the reader feels it change gear at each turn.

Ask

What turns here, and what can she no longer do?

Trouble

Things happen, but nothing changes the direction of the story.

What to look for

1. Moments that turn the story in a new direction
2. A change of gear the reader can feel

Parts

• Inciting incident: The first major event.
• Climax: The protagonist’s active answer to the story’s last crisis.

Sources

1. Story Grid, “Turning Point Progressive Complication”, What is a Turning Point?Progressive complications follow the INCITING INCIDENT, which has knocked the protagonist’s life out of balance.

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