CHAPTER 4

THE FIRST HALF OF THE SECOND ACT

 

Where Does It Belong?

From the 25% mark to the 50% mark in your story.

 

THE SECOND ACT is the largest part of your story, comprising roughly 50%. You can simplify it by breaking it down into three segments: the First Half, the Midpoint, and the Second Half.

Every segment of a story offers its own challenges, but perhaps none leaves writers more bewildered than the Second Act. At least beginnings and endings give you a checklist of things to accomplish. The middle of the story, on the other hand, is a yawning blank. You may feel like you’re entirely on your own as you try to move your characters toward where they need to be for the ending to work. Fortunately, if you pay attention to solid story structure, you’ll find the middle of the story has a checklist all its own.