The First Pinch Point

 

Where Does It Belong?

At the 37% mark.

 

HALFWAY THROUGH THE First Half of the Second Act (around the 3/8th mark), your character will run afoul of the First Pinch Point. This is a scene in which the antagonist is given a chance to flex his muscles and impress readers (and probably the protagonist as well) with his scary might. This moment serves primarily as a set up to the protagonist’s change of tactics in the Midpoint by reminding readers of the antagonist’s power. But it also raises the stakes and foreshadows the Climax. Its focus will always be that of the central conflict, rather than a subplot.

 

Exercise: Answer the following questions about your story’s First Pinch Point.

 

Question #1: What happens at the 3/8th mark to emphasize the antagonist’s power and control?

 

Examples:

• Elizabeth re-encounters Darcy at his aunt’s estate. (Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen)

 

• Highprince Dalinar is investigated by his nemesis as part of a would-be assassination of the king. (The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson)

 

• The Emperor tells Darth Vader to focus on Luke Skywalker as their new enemy. (The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner)

 

Question #2: How does this event affect the central conflict?

 

Question #3: Is the protagonist present for this scene (or is it told from the antagonist’s point of view)?

 

Question #4: Is the antagonist present for this scene (or is his presence only felt by the protagonist)?

 

Question #5: How does this event help the protagonist better understand the true nature of the conflict?

 

Question #6: How does this event begin to evolve the protagonist out of his reactive mindset?

 

Reference: Structuring Your Novel, chapter 7, pages 91-92.