In creative writing, the term ‘plot point’ is used. But what is a plot point? How do plot points shape the narrative arc of your story? And how do you organize plot points to keep your story interesting?
A plot point is a significant event in a story that drives forward and often changes the direction of the narrative. Plot points occur when a character comes to a fork in the road and makes a choice, or when a choice is thrust upon them. When Hagrid comes to Harry Potter and tells him that his parents were killed when he was an infant by Voldemort, and that he is invited to go to Hogwarts, his life changes. When Luke Skywalker discovers the message from Princess Leia in R2-D2, then meets Obi-Wan Kenobi and learns his father’s history, he sets off on his quest.
Plot points don’t only occur at the beginning of a story; all stories have multiple plot points. For example, in When Harry Met Sally, the two protagonists first meet after college, then meet again briefly five years later when they are on the same flight, and again five years later when they run into each other in a bookstore. Each of these plot points contributes to their future relationship, and, while they don’t cause any changes in direction, they help build each character’s understanding of the other.
Some thrillers have dozens of plot points, especially if there are plot twists. For example, Jaws has several major plot points as the tension in the story ramps up. The first shark attack sets the story in motion; the mayor’s hesitation to close the beach is the second major plot point; and the second shark attack, and later the victim’s mother confronting Chief Brody, is the third main plot point, which marks the end of Act 1.
What are the different types of plot points?
The plot points mentioned above involving Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker are inciting incidents. They are the events that propel the protagonist toward their destiny in the story.
There are a number of major plot point types that can be used to structure a narrative:
- Inciting incident: The event that disrupts the protagonist’s ordinary world and sets the story in motion.
- First major plot point: The protagonist has to go forward and confront their conflict; there’s no turning back. This generally marks the end of Act 1 in a story with a three-act structure.
- Midpoint: The middle point of the story, which culminates in a false victory or a false defeat for the hero and shifts the story’s direction.
- Second major plot point: At the depths of despair, the hero figures out how to solve their problem and move ahead to resolution, generally marking the end of Act 2.
- Climax: The highest point of tension where the main conflict is confronted, and the hero accomplishes their journey, both external and internal.
- Resolution: The aftermath that shows how the story world and the protagonist have changed.
A plot point is often a single scene, but it can cover multiple scenes as the protagonist or a minor character works through a mini-plot to come out on the other side and progress in the story. For example, the midpoint of Jaws covers several scenes. The first happens when some kids make a fake shark fin and scare people at the beach. The second occurs when everyone is distracted by this, and a shark is seen heading into an estuary where Chief Brody’s son is swimming with friends. And the third is when the shark attacks the children swimming, making this threat more personal to Brody. He realizes that he must confront his fear – he doesn’t like water – and hunt down the shark.
Why do plot points matter?
Plot points are important because that’s how stories have always been told. Whether it be Hellenic bards or modern novelists, the way stories are structured corresponds to the way we talk about our lives. Every time you tell someone what you did today, you’re telling them a narrative with plot points. There may not be heroes or dragons, but there are still events that act as signposts in your narrative.
In fiction, plot points allow readers to situate themselves in a story, to instinctively know when to expect something to happen, and to look forward to an eventual resolution. Without plot points, stories can be dull and lifeless (though much experimental fiction eschews plot points).
Plot points also reinforce the cause-and-effect elements of stories. Something happens because something happened before. An event occurring now will have effects in the future. Everything is connected in a story.
What’s the best way to work with plot points?
Some authors who are pantsers – authors who don’t outline, and who write by the seat of their pants – jump into a story without planning. That’s a valid way to write, especially for experienced writers. They probably have a few plot points in mind already when they start, and know the right time to insert new plot points as they progress in their manuscripts.
Other writers – planners – like to outline their novels, and are influenced by certain types of story structure. There are many ways to look at story structure, and one that is easy to grasp is the Save the Cat! Writes a Novel structure. This is based on 15 plot points or beats, as Jessica Brody, the creator of this idea, calls them.
Scrivener is a great tool for building a novel using the Save the Cat! Writes a Novel method, or any other story structure, because of the flexibility and integration of its Binder, Corkboard, and Outliner. With Scrivener, you can show each plot point as a folder or file in the Binder, allowing you to view the narrative arc of your story with a bird’s-eye view. You can ensure that all the necessary plot points are in place, in the right order, and that they lead to a satisfying conclusion.