2023

What is a Plot Point?

Ever found yourself glued to a book or unable to tear your eyes away from the screen during a movie? Chances are, you were caught up in the whirlwind of plot points. But what exactly are these mysterious elements that keep us hooked? 

A plot point is one of the significant turning points in a story. You can think of it as the major obstacles or events that happen throughout a story. It’s these plot points that make any story memorable and entertaining.

The term “plot” can refer to both the storyline and its progression, including the occurrences and changes during the story’s timeline. It could also refer to specific events within each chapter of a novel. 

In this article, we’ll unravel the secrets behind plot points in storytelling. Prepare to discover how these pivotal moments propel narratives forward, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Let’s dive in. 

What is a Plot Point?

Plot points are the game-changers in a story, the moments that shake things up and set the narrative on a new course. Think of them as key events that shape what happens next in the tale. They’re like plot twists or pivotal scenes that redirect the storyline from its original path.

As an author, it is crucial to understand plot points in many stories because they carry the power to breathe life into your narrative, injecting it with fresh energy and keeping readers eagerly flipping pages. But not every event in your story qualifies as a major plot point. Only those incidents that significantly impact the direction or outcome of the plot count are the main plot points.

These moments aren’t just about advancing the plot; they also play a vital role in character development. They can mark a major turning point in a character’s journey, forcing them to confront challenges, make tough decisions, or embark on new adventures. In essence, plot points propel both the story and its characters forward.

Moreover, plot points have the magical ability to reignite a reader’s interest. If you’ve ever found yourself losing enthusiasm for a story, a well-timed plot twist can reignite that spark, pulling you back into the narrative with renewed excitement.

In summary, plot points are the heartbeat of any memorable story. They add depth, intrigue, and excitement, ensuring that your tale leaves a lasting impression on your readers. So, as you craft your next writing masterpiece, remember the power of plot points to elevate your storytelling to new heights.

Example of a Plot Point

Think of a story about a man who lacks emotional depth and cannot feel love, the major plot point could be when he meets his next-door neighbor and falls in immense love. Slowly, the man understands love and how to love. The second plot point for this story could involve a significant challenge or obstacle that tests the protagonist’s newfound ability to love and forces him to confront his past emotional barriers.

Or, think of someone exploring a new perspective of life for the first time while being closeted for years, the plot point will be meeting someone and their life getting transformed overnight. The second plot point for this story could involve the protagonist facing a significant setback, tragedy, or challenge that tests their newfound perspective and forces them to confront their fears or insecurities

In the above plot point example, you can see how the story had a very linear narrative, which transformed after introducing the plot point. So, the mundane lives of these characters were rapidly moved in a new direction as the plot points sparked the reader’s interest and gave them a unique perspective on the story. 

Use Squibler to Introduce a Plot Point

Oftentimes, you have the idea around the main plot point but you are stuck with developing it relevantly inside the story. Or you have the story but you don’t know how to introduce the plot point.

Squibler comes in handy in such situations. You can use the Smart Writer and explain your idea to the AI model. It will then work in a matter of seconds to come up with suggestions on how you can elaborate on your story. 

Smart Writer - Squibler

You can not just seek suggestions, but also command it to rephrase, add more intensity, and conflict to your current plot point. 

rewrite Squibler

What are the Types of Plot Points?

Plot points can occur at any point within the story, but some primary plot points are present in almost every story. Here’s a brief on the fundamental types of plot points:

1. Inciting Incident

This type of plot point occurs within the first five pages of a novel or relatively early in any story. Inciting incident plot points are frequently adopted in three act structure stories.

You can consider a situation where the protagonist has just realized that his or her life isn’t the same anymore. However, this incident isn’t enough to transform their lives completely, and that’s what the rest of the story has to continue. 

So, after this incident, the protagonist will return to his/her everyday life. 

An inciting incident is also used to introduce conflict between characters. For example, two people fall in love but know they can’t be together because one person has already married someone else. 

2. First Plot Point

This plot point occurs due to the events of the inciting incident. It often leads to significant emotional or physical changes in the protagonist. It can create a situation of conflict, where the hero has to make a final act or a major decision. 

For example, Bruce Wayne as a child, watches his parents getting murdered by a mugger. He immediately couldn’t take any action but understood that his life would never be the same ever again. Slowly, he confides to his butler Alfred, who later becomes his guardian and friend. 

The first plot point usually occurs about midway through the novel, but this is not always the case. It can be at any point in a story until some climax has been reached – which would then become the main plot point for that particular story. 

3. The Midpoint

This section follows after the first plot point, where the protagonist tries to pick himself up and move forward with his life. Most of the initial problems will be solved by this time, but the protagonist will be exposed to more significant issues. 

Therefore, the story will yet again pushed in a new direction. It’s at this point where both the character and story start to develop. 

The midpoint can also be introduced anywhere in the middle section of the story, dividing the story into two sections. After the midpoint, the protagonist will try to solve the problem or overcome the challenge presented to him. 

4. Climax

These plot points usually lead to a climactic turning point in the story. They are often used because they have an intense moment that can be written and executed well, which is what makes them so compelling for readers. 

For example, the main character finally learns something that will change everything about their life. Many writers consider the climax as the most important plot point in any book. It’s because it brings all of the tension to a conclusive end.

How Does a Plot Point Affect the Protagonist?

A plot point can transform the entire life story of the protagonist. It can change their life entirely or just for a while. However, this transformation can be positive or negative. Whatever it is, the plot point has to alter the protagonist’s life in a story, shaping their journey and character development in significant ways. Here’s how the main plot points affect the protagonists:

  1. Living Outside Comfort Zone: Plot points often present the protagonist with challenges or obstacles that force them out of their comfort zone. These challenges push the protagonist to grow, adapt, and develop new skills or perspectives. For example, a plot point might introduce a sudden betrayal by a trusted ally, compelling the protagonist to reassess their beliefs and alliances.
  2. Life-Impacting Decisions: Plot points often require the protagonist to make critical decisions that have far-reaching consequences. These decisions can reveal the protagonist’s values, priorities, and inner conflicts. Whether it’s choosing between personal gain and moral integrity or deciding the fate of a loved one, these pivotal moments define the protagonist’s character and drive the story forward.
  3. Heartbreaks and Emotional Impact: Plot points often evoke strong emotional responses from the protagonist, ranging from joy and triumph to despair and heartbreak. These emotional experiences deepen the protagonist’s complexity and relatability, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. For instance, a plot point can involve the loss of a loved one, plunging the protagonist into grief and despair while motivating them to seek justice or redemption.
  4. Life Motivation and Goals: Plot points can alter the protagonist’s motivations and goals, inspiring them to pursue new objectives or abandon old ones. These shifts in motivation drive the protagonist’s actions and choices, propelling the story towards its climax and resolution. For example, a plot point might reveal a hidden threat to the protagonist’s loved ones, prompting them to embark on a perilous quest to protect those they hold dear.

Plot points serve as catalysts for the protagonist or hero’s journey, shaping their character arc and driving the narrative toward its conclusion. By challenging, testing, and transforming the protagonist, plot points create a compelling and dynamic story that resonates with readers long after the final page is turned.

The protagonist must be aware of that plot point, and the writer is responsible for executing it properly. 

Example of How a Plot Point Affects the Progtaonist

Consider a story about one person’s grief following an unexpected death in their family, which later turns into acceptance. It happens due to a plot point – when they meet someone who reminds them why living is worthwhile. This plot point was used very well in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth.

In this example, you can see how vital plot points are because they create tension and drama. It’s important as, without any drama, the readers will slowly lose interest in the story. And no writer or reader wants that to happen! 

Plot Point Vs. Plot – What’s the Difference?

A plot point is a pivotal moment in the story, usually arising halfway through the story or even before it. It can be a problem or an opportunity that is introduced to the protagonist, which leads him into action. Moreover, these are the moments that you usually remember after finishing the book or movie. 

A plot, on the other hand, refers to everything that happens between these points of change – how they get from one point to another. It describes how events unfold to make up the overall storyline. So, a plot defines what the story is about and is a collection of different plot points.

However, if any of those events in the plot doesn’t have any significant effect on the protagonist or the narrative, it isn’t a plot point. 

Tips to Create a Strong Plot Point for a Story

Plot points not only give your story substance it also make it compelling enough to restore the reader’s attention. Here are some tips for creating and using plot points in any story – 

  1. Introduce a new problem or opportunity for the protagonist. This can be something that happens before the start of the story to create tension and conflict. 
  2. Make sure it’s significant enough to profoundly impact the protagonist and the story arc. 
  3. Invoke a dramatic turn of events. It is typically the discovery that triggers new problems or opportunities in the story.
  4. Create an unexpected plot twist, which should be believable and have consequences for your protagonist and other characters.
  5. Introduce some new information to your reader. It must make them question their previous assumptions about the plot line up to this point. 

Whatever you do, make sure the reader is hooked to read the story further and reaches the end already excited. 

Final Remarks

Plot points are essential for any good story, to progress and keep the reader intrigued till the very end. No matter which direction they take the story, they always stay rooted to the central plotline. So, even if a plot point seems irrelevant, it will somehow add to the protagonist’s character and take the plot to another level.

Therefore, if you’re writing a story, make sure not to introduce too many plot points, which might confuse the reader. Your aim must be to create an exciting narrative that stays with the reader long after reading it.  

FAQs

Here is a list of questions that authors commonly ask regarding plot points: 

What exactly are plot points?

Plot points are crucial events or moments in a story that drives the narrative forward. They’re like milestones marking significant changes or developments in the plot.

Why are plot points important?

Plot points keep you engaged in the story by introducing twists, conflicts, or resolutions. They maintain the story’s momentum and prevent it from feeling stagnant.

How do plot points differ from regular events in a story?

Unlike ordinary events, plot points are pivotal moments that alter the direction of the narrative. They have a significant impact on the characters and the overall storyline.

Can you give examples of common plot points?

Sure! Examples include the inciting incident, first pinch point where the main conflict is introduced, the midpoint, which marks a turning point in the story, and the climax, where tensions reach their peak.

Are plot points the same in every type of story?

Not necessarily. While certain plot points like the climax are universal, their specifics can vary depending on the genre, style, and structure of the story.

How can I identify plot points when reading or watching a story?

Look for moments that significantly change the direction of the plot or have a profound impact on the characters. These are likely the major plot points that drive the narrative forward.

Josh Fechter
Josh is the founder and CEO of Squibler.