The Magnificent 7 Plot Points for Screenplays

David Troitter believes there are seven key plot points in every well-developed story. He has written about this method for structuring screenplays but it applies equally well to other story forms.

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The Back Story haunts the central character.

Describe the Back Story:

The Catalyst gets the character moving. It’s part of the story’s setup.

Describe the Catalyst:

The Big Event changes the character’s life.

Describe the Big Event:

The Midpoint is the point of no return or a moment of deep motivation.

Describe the Midpoint:

The Crisis is the low point, or an event that forces the key decision that leads to your story’s end.

Describe the Crisis:

The Climax or Showdown is the final face-off between your central character and the opposition.

Describe the Climax:

The Realization occurs when your character and/or the audience sees that the character has changed or has realized something.

Describe the Realization:

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