Breaking Down Act 3: The Secret Formula Behind the Harry Potter Endings
When I reached the third act of my first book, I had a complete brain malfunction.
Do you know the feeling? I had NO idea what to do. I had studied story theory extensively. I had outlined. I had prepared!
And yet…nothing. I sat down to type and felt utterly and completely lost.
So where did I turn?
My book bible. Mr. Harry Potter. And, as always, I found my answer. I realized that the Harry Potter books had simple formulas in their third acts that created effective, page-turning, mind-bending endings.
And once I recognized the pattern, I was able to break it down and apply it to my own story.
So in true Project Published fashion, I’m here to share that information with you.
This is what helped me cross the finish line with my book when I hit a massive brick wall. Hopefully, it can do the same for you.
For this exercise, I’ll be breaking down my favorite Harry Potter book - The Prisoner of Azkaban. I’ll include examples from this book (so SPOILERS) in how its hits each of the beats below.
First things first, let’s break down the beats of the Third Act.
There are many ways to look at story structure, and this breakdown includes a mixture of my own lingo, along with well-known jargon you’re sure to encounter as a writer.
But basically, we are taking the Third Act of your book and stripping it down to the important beats.
Which starts with -
1 | The HIGH
This beat actually occurs right before the Third Act begins (so, right before the 75% mark).
It closes out your Second Act with a false win or high for your character. Something great just happened. They achieved something they’ve been working for.
But don’t get too comfortable, because stuff is about to hit the fan…
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
The HIGH in this book is very easy to spot (however, it is a little unconventional in that it doesn’t have anything to do with the main storyline involving the antagonist (Sirius Black), but it is a win for Harry).
Harry WINS THE QUIDDITCH CUP! Hooray! But don’t get too comfortable, Harry. You’ve got some weird stuff coming.
2 | The CHANGE OF MOOD
After the HIGH, it’s time to start transitioning into the high-paced action of the Third Act. (Right around the 75% mark.)
This transition, or CHANGE OF MOOD, likely includes unexpected information for your character. They learn or experience something unforeseen, and maybe even strange…
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
The CHANGE OF MOOD here is a little something called Professor Trelawney’s prediction.
Talk about weird. Harry ends up alone with our dear Professor and hears her predicting the Dark Lord’s return. Quite a mood shift from the HIGH he just experienced.
3 | The LOW POINT
Next, we have a LOW POINT. This is the point in our story where we want to shove our characters down. Bring them to their knees. And when they think it can’t get any worse? Well…it can.
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
The succession of low points in this story begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione “witnessing” the death of Hagrid’s beloved Buckbeak. Then, when they think the worst is behind them, BAM. Ron gets dragged away by a giant, mangy dog.
4 | The CLIMAX
A good CLIMAX has rises and falls within it.
That’s exactly what’s happening here. I’m not talking in broad terms as I refer to the Climax of your book here, I’m breaking things down into bite-sized chunks. So, yes. Here is a Climax. Something heart-pounding and unexpected. But it’s not over.
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
In this CLIMAX, our trio finally comes face to face with Sirius Black in the Shrieking Shack.
Chaos, intrigue, revelations, and violence ensue. We learn that Black has actually been seeking Peter Pettigrew, who has been masquerading as Ron’s rat. And that Pettigrew is the one who betrayed Harry’s parents and committed the horrific mass murder. Yikes.
5 | The LULL
Time for a little of that falling action. Here, your protagonist has a moment to breathe. Or is perhaps even lulled into a false sense of security. Either way, it can’t be all action, all the time. My poor little heart couldn’t take it.
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
The LULL here is pretty notable. They’ve captured the true criminal (Pettigrew), and Harry has even found a father figure. Someone who is offering to whisk him away from his miserable life with the Dursley’s. All seems well. Until…
6 | The 2nd LOW POINT
Listen, there are lots of ways to do things. Including writing a book.
Your book doesn’t necessarily have to follow this formula to a T. I didn’t include all of the Harry Potter books here because as they get longer and more complex, more stuff naturally has to happen.
You need a lot more scenes to fill 200 pages of a Third Act than you need to fill 100. But if you’re looking for a blueprint, something to get you past your wall, this is exactly what helped me.
The 2nd LOW POINT occurs when that false sense of security falls away. It’s the dip as the CLIMAX kicks into full swing, headed straight for that all-important CLIMACTIC MOMENT.
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
Lupin turns into a werewolf, threatening the safety of the kids; Pettigrew gets away; the Dementors attack and nearly suck out both Harry’s and Sirius’ souls; and Sirius is captured. Whew. That’s a heck of a LOW POINT (within the overall Climax - not to be confused with the Third Plot Point, which was numero 3 on this list).
7 | The CLIMACTIC MOMENT
Finally, we have the moment your story has been leading to. The tipping point. The defeat of the antagonist.
And remember! Make sure your CLIMACTIC MOMENT is answering the question your INCITING INCIDENT set into motion. (In this case, the Inciting Incident involved Arthur telling Harry not to go looking for Black. This was after Harry overheard them saying Black had the intention of seeking Harry. Now, Harry has come looking for Black…to free him!)
What this looks like in The Prisoner of Azkaban:
Harry and Hermione use the Time Turner to save both Buckbeak and Sirius. I don’t know about you, but I was biting my nails through the whole thing. Talk about edge-of-your-seat!
And there you have it! After your CLIMACTIC MOMENT, you’ll move into your Resolution. As a quick snapshot, here is what we just covered.
High
Change of Mood
Low Point
Climax
Lull
2nd Low Point
Climactic Moment
Use it to get your story out on paper. And, hey. Go read The Prisoner of Azkaban.
The fastest way to write a strong story is with an effective outline that plots your novel’s beating heart.
In Outline Your Novel, you’ll learn exactly what these beats are, why they matter, and how to outline them effectively to make your story sing.
