PLOT POINT 3:

First Plot Point Components

 
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The First Plot Point changes things for the protagonist. It signifies a shift and an entrance into the true Story World.

To ensure this Plot Point is effective and compelling (and strengthens/gives shape to your Character’s Arc), it should include these 4 elements:

Hover over each element to learn a little more, then see it in action in each of the fictional characters starting on the next page.

This is the story’s break into Act 2. First and foremost, it should signify a departure from the protagonist’s normal world. This doesn’t necessarily need to happen literally. In the Hunger Games, Katniss left District Twelve much earlier than her First Plot Point. But she does enter the conflict irrevocably at this point in the story - by physically entering the arena where the Hunger Games will take place. 

This is the story’s break into Act 2. First and foremost, it should signify a departure from the protagonist’s normal world. This doesn’t necessarily need to happen literally. In the Hunger Games, Katniss left District Twelve much earlier than her First Plot Point. But she does enter the conflict irrevocably at this point in the story - by physically entering the arena where the Hunger Games will take place. 

After the First Plot Point, the protagonist will make a decision or a pivot of some sort. They will react to the events/information that took place in the First Plot Point. For example, Jo March makes a very subtle decision to live life on her own terms. This is a reaction to her conversation with Aunt March. If the protagonist wasn’t proactive before this point, they need to be now.

After the First Plot Point, the protagonist will make a decision or a pivot of some sort. They will react to the events/information that took place in the First Plot Point. 

For example, Jo March makes a very subtle decision to live life on her own terms. This is a reaction to her conversation with Aunt March. If the protagonist wasn’t proactive before this point, they need to be now.

The First Plot Point should represent a challenge to the protagonist’s story goal, beliefs, or values. This might be in the form of a fight or a clashing of ideals. you’ll see both in the examples section

The First Plot Point should represent a challenge to the protagonist’s story goal, beliefs, or values. This might be in the form of a fight or a clashing of ideals. you’ll see both in the examples section

The Antagonist will be present in each of the 10 plot points we’re covering in this program. The First Plot Point is no exception. Whether physically or not, the antagonist’s presence should loom over the events of this section of the story.

The Antagonist will be present in each of the 10 plot points we’re covering in this program. The First Plot Point is no exception. Whether physically or not, the antagonist’s presence should loom over the events of this section of the story.