If you’re a writer and interested in the art of storytelling then you can learn a lot from the world of movies by breaking down stories into their component parts. In my previous blog I focused on how the story narrative can be broken down further into sequences. Yet another way to break down the plot is into a series of plot points (or story beats). But what is a plot point or story beat?

According to Syd Field:

“A plot point can be anything you want it to be; it is a story progression point. It can be as simple as an action… a line of dialogue….  A short scene… an action sequence… a dramatic sequence.”

Syd Field recognised that there can be many plot points in a story, but he emphasised the importance of identifying the two big plot points that mark out the end of first and second acts. The first turns the story into a new direction and propels the main character with a goal into the world of conflict, and the second marks the culmination of the Act 2. Eric Edson describes these two turning points as “Stunning Surprise #1” and “Stunning Surprise #2”. They are the most important turning points in the story and they have to be stunning.

But they are not the only ones. Turning points and reversals can occur almost in every scene.

Donald Mass defines a turning points as:

“A turning point in a story is a point at which things change. It could be the arrival of new information, a shift in the course of events, a reversal, a twist (such as revealing  a characters second role), a challenge or a disaster.”

And I would suggest a reversal is and unexpected change in the fortunes of the main character in a scene arising from the consequences or their actions, a surprising new event, or a shocking new revelation

It is important to note that without turning points and reversals a story would be rather predictable and boring. Readers and audiences want to be surprised and the turning pints and reversals keep the audience or readers guessing as to what is going to happening next.

So what are the other major plot points in a story? I would suggest there are 5 main plot points and 7 other plot points worth consideration:

1. Opening scene
2. The Hook
3. The Hero’s ordinary life and need
4. The inciting incident (Catalyst/Impetus)
5. Act 1 Turning Point (Stunning surprise 1)
6. Fun and Games (series of trials)
7. Mid Point Reversal
8. Complications and escalation
9. Act 2 Turning Point (Stunning Surprise 2)
10. Act 3 Twist
11. Climax
12. Denouement

In any novel or movie the opening scene is important to capture the attention of the reader/audience and set the tone for the story.
The Hook may well be the opening scene or occur soon after. Its purpose is to excite and raise reader/audience expectations about the story line.
The hero has to be introduced in his ordinary world together with his special skills and need. There is usually something missing in his life.
The inciting incident (sometimes called the Catalyst, or Impetus) is the first time the hero is confronted with the big story problem that will escalate into the main story conflict.
The Act 1 Turning Point is the major event that happens to the main character that forces a response from him and commitment to take on the challenge or quest.
“Fun and Games” is how the late Blake Synder described the initial reactive response to the story problem. It is a range of trials that test the hero that culminate in the Mid Point reversal – usually a major reversal.
The Mid Point Reversal is a major reversal or twist that motivates the hero to examine what he/she is doing wrong.
Complications and escalation is where the hero becomes more pro-active and follows a new plan, but matters soon spiral out of control and become chaotic.
Turning Point 2 is the culmination of Act 2. It is either a false defeat or false success.
The Act 3 twist is usually a stunning revelation throwing the hero off-guard.
The Climax is the climatic point at which the story problem is finally solved.
Denouement is the post conflict scene that demonstrates the transformation of the hero and his world.

As you can see from the above the list of plot points sets out a story pattern. Plot points 6 and 8 contain most of the guts of the story and will need to be expanded out into a number of individual plot points as will the hero’s ordinary life. But at least this outlined can act as a framework.