You’ve constructed the second act of your narrative, and you’re about to transition to the third and final act. But before you do, you need to set the stage for an inevitable and exciting climax by learning how to write a great second pinch point.
Continuing our series on story structure, I’ll share some helpful tips on how to write a second pinch point. I’ll provide some story examples that will illustrate how to elevate the stakes of your narrative.
Four Ways To Write A Great Second Pinch Point:
What Is The Second Pinch Point?
Halfway through the second half of the second act, we arrive at the Second Pinch Point. Similar to the First Pinch Point, this section of the story underscores the threat posed by the antagonistic force, either on a personal level or in another way that highlights its power and potential to overcome the protagonist.
Mirroring the First Pinch Point, the Second Pinch Point ramps up the stakes while foreshadowing the inevitable confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist. The events here “pinch” the protagonist, making them painfully aware of what is at stake if they fail.
The story’s thematic truth begins to be embraced by your protagonist, but the lie believed by them still lingers in their psyche, threatening to derail their internal transformation and preventing them from becoming who they were meant to be.
Unrelenting Antagonist
Transition into the second half of the second act by demonstrating how formidable and relentless the antagonist is. Raise the stakes by shattering the illusion that the protagonist has any control by illustrating just how outmatched they truly are.
In Gladiator, the Second Pinch Point unfolds as all the key players conspire to overthrow and kill the corrupt Emperor Commodus. Arrangements are made for Maximus to escape and rally Rome’s armies to execute a coup aimed at restoring power to the Senate and the people of Rome. However, Commodus is one step ahead and enacts his own plan to deal with his would-be assassins.
This scene completely upends the protagonist’s narrative. Loyal comrades and allies are killed in the exchange, and Maximus is captured. This underscores the unrelenting nature of the antagonist and his capacity to crush all resistance. At this point in the story, Commodus holds the lives of Maximus and everyone he cares about in the palm of his hand. This foreshadows the final confrontation that will ultimately determine the fate of Rome and its people.
Rattle Your Protagonist
Your protagonist may have gained some confidence going into the second act, but this is where they realize they still don’t fully understand what they’re up against. Use the second pinch point to reveal their deepest weaknesses, shaking them to the core.
In the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo has already faced many challenges and trials before accepting the responsibility of taking the Ring of Power to the fires of Mount Doom. With the help of Gandalf the Grey and the rest of the fellowship, he travels through the Mines of Moria, where they encounter hordes of ruthless orcs. And barring their escape is an unholy enemy unlike any other.
The loss of Gandalf rattles Frodo to his core, leading him to question whether he can continue with the quest ahead. Due to the ring’s corrupt nature, he soon discovers that he cannot trust even those within the fellowship, prompting his need to part from his friends to carry out his quest alone.
Make It Personal
Allow your antagonist to strike at the core of your protagonist’s wound. By hitting them where it hurts, your hero is compelled to doubt or reassess their ability to achieve their goals, leading them directly into the “dark night of the soul.”
In Iron Man, the Second Pinch Point occurs when Obadiah Stane reveals his true motives by paralyzing Tony to steal the arc reactor from his chest. As the mastermind behind the initial attack on Tony’s life, Stane’s ploy to seize control of Stark Industries represents a personal assault on Tony and his legacy.
Thematically, this pinch point works because it directly challenges Tony’s legacy. Before his brush with death, he was content to manufacture weapons, indifferent to who possessed them or how they were used. However, as the story approaches its climax, his focus shifts to using his technology to help others, rather than profiting from war. The legacy that Tony leaves behind now depends on him stopping Stane from executing his evil plan.
Foreshadow The Climax
Instead of merely raising the tension, direct your story toward a sense of inevitability. Utilize the second pinch point to signal the beginning of the end by hinting at the choices and losses that will ultimately culminate in the final confrontation.
In Rambo: First Blood Part II, Rambo successfully escapes from his Russian captors with the help of his contact, Co Bao. However, his relief is short-lived when they are ambushed by a patrol, which results in Co’s death. This is a move the enemy will soon regret, as Rambo declares all-out war against anyone who stands in his way.
This second pinch point is simple and straightforward, foreshadowing Rambo’s renewed determination to destroy the enemy and rescue the American POWs in their custody. We know what’s coming the moment we see Rambo take up his weapons and rise from Co’s grave. He’s coming for blood, and we can’t wait to see how it’s all going to play out.
Summing it up
Knowing how to write a great Second Pinch Point involves tearing down your protagonist so you can ultimately build them back up in the third act. By pitting them against an unrelenting antagonistic force and rattling them to the core, you create a scenario that compels your protagonist to respond through action—an action that will inevitably drive them toward a final confrontation.
Structure your story using these tips and let me know if they work for you. Next month, we’ll transition to the third and final act, starting with the Third Plot Point. Until then, continue working toward your goals. And above all, keep writing!
Until next time,
