Nothing is more challenging for a writer than the middle of a story. The second act comprises the longest section of the narrative and is often less defined than the other plot beats. So, how do you maintain the right momentum and keep your audience engaged throughout the second act? The answer lies in knowing how to write a riveting midpoint.
Continuing our series on story structure, I’ll share some helpful tips on how to write a riveting Midpoint and provide story examples to illustrate the key principles that will enable you to craft your best story.
Four Ways To Write A Riveting Midpoint:
What Is The Midpoint?
The Midpoint represents the halfway point of the second act and your story as a whole. As the crucial centerpiece, the Midpoint often showcases your most significant moments that propel your protagonist forward. The lessons learned in the first half of the story will now crystallize, signaling a thematic shift from lie to truth.
In simple terms, the midpoint is the moment when contextual change occurs. It reveals new information and alters the context of everything your protagonist has learned up to this point, prompting them to view things in a new light and compelling them to adapt.
Moment Of Action
Your midpoint should shift your story from the setup of the first half to the intense action that will define the second half. Craft a key scene or sequence that serves as a structural midpoint for your narrative and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
In Jurassic Park, the riveting midpoint is marked by the visceral scene where the T-Rex escapes its paddock. All the setup in the first half of the story pays off in a moment of action that shifts the entire narrative.
The action in this scene shifts the narrative’s direction. Grant’ quickly casts aside his indifference toward Lex and Tim and comes to their rescue. Malcolm’s theories have become reality as the entire park plunges into chaos. Hammond confronts the truth that his aspirations have led to a situation he never could have anticipated. From this moment on, the story is no longer captivated by scientific wonder and awe. It is now a race for survival.
Moment Of Truth
Pivot your protagonist’s character arc with a moment of truth by crafting a pivotal scene that forces them to confront the reality of the lie or misbelief that has held them back, presenting a powerful manifestation of your story’s thematic truth.
In Jaws, Chief Brody spends the first half of the story being undermined at every turn by Mayor Larry Vaughn. By the time we reach the midpoint, Brody is already burdened by the death of young Alex Kitner after Vaughn thwarts his efforts to close the beaches. However, Brody’s moment of truth comes when his son nearly becomes a victim of yet another shark attack. As a result, he finally finds the courage to confront Vaughn and compels him to approve the closure of the beaches, allowing them to hire Quint to hunt down and kill the shark.
This dramatic shift sets the tone for Brody’s continuing arc. He confronts his phobias about the water and personally accompanies Quint and Hooper on the excursion to kill the shark. From this point forward, the story is no longer about the town falling victim to the shark; it now focuses on the hunt to eliminate a very real threat.
Moment Of Reflection
Use the moment of truth to compel your protagonist to reflect on the destructive nature of their lie and how it will ultimately lead to their downfall. Ensure that their need to change outweighs their desire as they transition to the second half of their story.
In Thor, the mighty would-be king of Asgard is banished to Earth by Odin after his brash and arrogant actions bring the nine realms to the brink of war. Thor’s insatiable desire to return to Asgard ultimately leads him to infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D.’s base to reclaim his trusty hammer, Mjolnir. However, while attempting to pry the weapon from the primordial muck, he soon discovers that he is powerless even to lift it. After Erik Selvig rescues him from custody, he experiences a moment of reflection and comes to terms with the flaws in his character.
Thor’s conversation with Selvig reflects a shift in perspective. He is finally able to come to terms with the lesson his father was trying to teach him. While the first half of his story centers on his defiance and selfishness, the second half sees him begin to embrace humility and selflessness, prioritizing the well-being of others over his own.
Moment Of Revelation
Leverage your midpoint to offer your protagonist a crucial revelation that deepens the understanding of their internal and external conflicts. Allow this insight to drive every action moving forward as they progress more effectively toward their goal.
Compounding the revelation that the Winter Soldier is, in fact, his lifelong friend, Bucky Barnes, Cap and Natasha soon uncover the truth about S.H.I.E.L.D., placing them in the crosshairs of those they believed they could trust.
Compounding the revelation that S.H.I.E.L.D. is compromised by HYDRA, Cap finds himself embroiled in a confrontation where he uncovers the horrifying truth about the man behind the persona of The Winter Soldier.
These moments of revelation expertly shift the story’s dynamics. Steve spends the first half of the narrative reacting to circumstances beyond his control. But once he becomes aware of the truth, he and his allies take the offensive, acting to dismantle HYDRA before they can carry out their malevolent plans.
Summing it up
Knowing how to write a riveting Midpoint is all about shifting the dynamics of your narrative. By infusing your midpoint with moments of action, truth, reflection, and revelation, you can successfully alter the entire trajectory of your story, allowing you to maintain the right momentum that will drive your story forward toward its inevitable climax.
Try these tips and let me know if they work for you. Next month, we’ll examine the Second Pinch Point, the next beat in the three-act story structure. Until then, keep working toward your goals. And above all, keep writing!
Until next time,
