Outlining Key Plot Points in Fiction Writing -

Ever felt a story drag or lose its spark? That’s often a sign of weak plot points. A strong plot propels the reader forward, leaving them eager for what happens next.

Here’s the secret: Each plot point should up the ante. It throws a wrench into the protagonist’s plans, raises the stakes, and deepens the mystery. This creates a compelling narrative arc, where every event flows naturally from the one before.

Imagine your story as a chain reaction. Each plot point is a domino, tipping over and triggering the next event. This connectedness keeps your reader glued to the page – they can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

However, plot points go beyond just “stuff happening.” They stem from the character’s desires. A character with a strong goal will naturally encounter obstacles and turning points that arise from their pursuit of that goal. This makes the plot feel organic and keeps the reader invested in the character’s success (or failure!).

This post will cover:

the meaning of a plot point
the major plot points in fiction writing
how to outline the plot points
tips for effective plot point planning

What Is A Plot Point?

A plot point is a crucial moment in your story that significantly alters the course of the narrative and the characters’ lives. It’s a turning point that raises the stakes, deepens the conflict, and propels the story forward with fresh momentum.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes up strong plot points in fiction writing:

Major Impact: It’s not just any event; it has a ripple effect, impacting the characters’ decisions, goals, and the overall direction of the plot.
One-Way Door: It fundamentally changes the situation. There’s no going back to the way things were before.
Character Arc: A strong plot point is often tied to the character’s arc. It could be a challenge they must overcome, a choice they make with lasting consequences or a revelation that changes their perspective.
Reader Engagement: Plot points keep readers hooked. They create suspense, raise questions, and leave the reader eager to see how the characters will handle the new situation.

The Major Plot Points in Fiction Writing

There are many story structure models, each offering a framework for building an organized and engaging plot. All of these models, however, share the same fundamental principles, using a three-act standard structure (a powerful tool for structuring your story and ensuring a satisfying resolution for your readers).

Here are the seven major plot points in fiction writing:

Hook: Introduces the characters, setting, and establishes the status quo.
Plot Turn 1 (Inciting Incident): An event disrupts the protagonist’s normal world and sets them on their journey.
Pinch 1: The situation escalates, raising the stakes and introducing the antagonist or major conflict.
Midpoint: A turning point where the protagonist shifts from reacting to the situation to proactively pursuing their goal.
Pinch 2: A major setback that makes things worse for the protagonist.
Plot Turn 2: The protagonist discovers a key element or strategy to overcome the antagonist or conflict.
Resolution: The main conflict is resolved, and the story reaches a conclusion.

Outlining Your Plot Points

Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats?

It all starts with strategically placed plot points. But these aren’t just random twists – they’re the turning points that drive your character’s journey and leave the reader desperate to know what happens next.

Here are some outlining methods that are most popular among fiction writers:

Linear Outline

A linear outline is a simple and straightforward way to organize your plot points. It’s essentially a numbered list where each item represents a major turning point in your story.

Here are some key features of a linear outline:

Chronological Order: Plot points are listed in the order they appear in the story.
Brief Descriptions: Each point has a short description that captures the essence of the event and its impact on the characters or story.
Flexibility: You can add details or sub-points later to flesh out your outline.

This type of outline is a good starting point for writers who prefer a clear, step-by-step approach to plotting.

Tip: Keep your descriptions concise but informative. Briefly capture the essence of the event and its impact on the characters or the story. Leave room for adding details later as you flesh out your outline.

Scene Cards

Scene cards are individual notecards or digital tools used to brainstorm and organize scenes in your story, often focusing on specific plot points.

Here’s a breakdown:

Physical Cards: Traditionally, scene cards are index cards where you write down key information about a scene.
Digital Tools: Many writing programs and online platforms offer digital scene cards with features like tagging and sorting.
Information Included: Each scene card typically includes details like:
- Scene number
- Point of view character
- Location
- Brief summary of the action
- Plot point connection (optional)

Tip: Use scene cards to brainstorm a variety of scene ideas and experiment with the order. Consider labeling each card with a potential plot point it connects to for easier organization.

Visual Plot Diagram

A visual plot diagram is a graphical representation of your story’s key events and turning points. It typically uses a pyramid or a line graph format to depict the narrative arc.

Here’s a breakdown of its features:

Shape: It can be a triangle (Freytag’s Pyramid) with rising action on one side, climax at the peak, and falling action on the other. Alternatively, it can be a line graph with rising action gradually increasing, followed by a climax point, and then a descending line for the falling action.
Plot Points: Major turning points in the story (inciting incident, midpoint, climax, etc.) are marked on the diagram.
Optional Details: Some diagrams might include additional elements like character arcs or thematic developments depending on the complexity.

Tip: Focus on clarity by using just the major turning points initially. You can add details like character arcs or thematic developments later.

Tips for Effective Plot Point Outlining

Understanding plot points can help make your story tighter and more captivating. Missing key plot points can leave your story feeling sluggish Even if readers aren’t familiar with plot structure terminology, they’ll instinctively pick up on a lack of momentum or clear direction.

Here are some tips for effectively outlining the key plot points in fiction writing:

General Tips for Outlining Plot Points in Fiction Writing:

Focus on Character Arc: Remember, plot points shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Ensure each one directly impacts your character’s growth. Will they overcome a fear? Make a difficult choice? These turning points should propel your protagonist towards their ultimate transformation.
Raise the Stakes: Every plot point should escalate the tension and challenges your protagonist faces. Ask yourself: How does this event make things harder for them? What are they now fighting for?
Identify Key Turning Points: Start by pinpointing the major moments that shift the course of your story. This could be the inciting incident that disrupts your protagonist’s world, the midpoint decision with lasting consequences, or the heart-pounding climax.
Choose Your Method: No single “right” way to outline exists. Experiment with different methods like linear outlines, scene cards, or visual plot diagrams to find what works best for you.

Additional Tips for Outlining Plot Points in Fiction Writing:

Be Flexible: Outlining is a guide, not a rigid blueprint. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plot points as new ideas emerge during writing.
Consider External Forces: How do external events or antagonists impact your character’s journey and shape the plot points?
Read Widely: Analyze how other authors use plot points to create suspense and drive their stories forward.

Conclusion

By placing plot points strategically in your writing, you can build a captivating narrative arc with twists, turns, and rising stakes that leave your audience yearning for the next chapter. Remember, strong plot points in fiction writing are the heart of a gripping story – and now you have the tools to master them.