\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/forums/message_id/3524930
Image Protector
Rated: 13+ · Message Forum · Writing · #1474311
A month-long novel-planning challenge with prizes galore.
<< Previous  •  Message List  •  Next >>
Reply  •  Post New
Oct 5, 2022 at 1:49pm
#3524930
A Short Guide to Crafting your Story's Climax
The climax of a story is the dramatic turning point. It is the pivotal moment at the peak of the story arc that pits the protagonist against the antagonist in order to resolve the main plot conflict once and for all. It should come in the third act (3-act structure) or the fourth act (5-act structure) i.e. near the end of the story.

The climax is one of the most important pieces in the plot structure; itā€™s the moment when the rising action culminates and the main character's story arc reaches its zenith and then begins its descent (the falling action). The climax is generally the high point at which your main character faces their main problem or biggest obstacle.


Be sure your main character is the one who solves the story problem in your climax. Avoid a deus ex-machina where someone or something else appears and saves the day for your main character.

The reason this conflict is happening should matter. It should be a make-or-break, life-or-death struggle. There should be a build-up of tension in the scene(s) so in the beginning, the opening shots should be restrained, perhaps, if the exchange is going to be violent, start with a verbal exchange or a single slap or punch and then gradually escalate to a full on battle.


The greatest key to a successful climactic scene is reader empathy. You absolutely must keep your reader's heart and mind locked inside the psyche of your protagonist, or else you risk making your reader shrug their shoulders and say meh, whatever. What you want is for your readers to have a white knuckle ride and to cheer the protagonist on to victory.


Happy prepping.



Small Amanda sig


Image Protector
Flight of Fantasy Signature Shop Open in new Window. [E]
Ready-made and custom, still and animated images and signatures.
by A E Willcox Author Icon

Image Protector
Flight of Fantasy Review & Gift Shop Open in new Window. [E]
Fiction story reviews, MBs and Gift Certificates for you or as a gift for a friend
by A E Willcox Author Icon

Image Protector
A Writing Exercise Open in new Window. [18+]
If you want to improve your story writing, overcome writer's block or just practice
by A E Willcox Author Icon

Image Protector
36 Amateur Writers' Mistakes  Open in new Window. [13+]
Aspects of story craft to work on if you want to pro-publish or to sell if self-published
by A E Willcox Author Icon

Image Protector
C-Note Shop Emporium Open in new Window. [E]
All my C-Note collections in one place
by A E Willcox Author Icon

Image Protector
Articles Open in new Window. [13+]
Articles and non-fiction items
by A E Willcox Author Icon

MESSAGE THREAD
*Star*
A Short Guide to Crafting your Story's Climax · 10-05-22 1:49pm
by A E Willcox Author IconMail Icon
Re: A Short Guide to Crafting your Story's Climax · 10-05-22 2:50pm
by QueenNormaJean maybesnow?! Author IconMail Icon
Image Protector
Re: Re: A Short Guide to Crafting your Story's Climax · 10-05-22 3:28pm
by azrael Author IconMail Icon

The following section applies to this forum item as a whole, not this individual post.
Any feedback sent through it will go to the forum's owner, BrandiwynšŸŽ¶.
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/forums/message_id/3524930