• Setup/Payoff Color Code

    As you record your scene outline, use the following color-coding system to keep track of all the pertinent foreshadowing plants and payoffs, setups and reveals in your story. For further reading: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/plot-reveals/


    Setup: Foreshadowing, Hints


    Opportunity for Hints.


    Misinformation.


    Revealed Later.


    Setup That Must Be Fulfilled Later


    Payoff: New Info/Revelations That Turn the Plot


    Straightforward Facts That Don’t Turn the Plot


    Character Evolution Turni...

  • Summary

    Add your story summary or plot synopsis here fore easy reference.

  • Act 1A: 1%-12%

    FIRST HALF OF THE FIRST ACT - 1%-12%


    Begins with the Hook in the opening chapter. This is the first thing that happens in your story, possibly even the first line. It should be designed to draw readers into the story.


    This first eighth of yoru story is SET-UP, where readers learn about your characters, their goals, and the story's stakes.

    • Hook - 1%

      March 1st: Sunset


      SCENE/ACTION

      GOAL: Get paid.

      CONFLICT: Union strikers block the road.

      DIASTER: Paymaster robbed and murdered.


      SEQUEL/REACTION

      REACTION: Panics and flees.

      DILEMMA: How to buy food for family.

      DECISION: Join the union.

    • Inciting Event - 12%

      INCITING EVENT - 12% Mark


      A turning point halfway through the First Act. This is the Call to Adventure, the moment the Normal World is first significantly rocked by the conflict.

  • Act 1B: 13%-25%

    THE SECOND HALF OF THE FIRST ACT - 13%-25%


    This section is about BUILD-UP. The final pieces necessary for the main conflict are moved into position, while also ramping up the tension.

    • First Plot Point - 25%

      FIRST PLOT POINT - 25%


      This is the doorway between the end of the First Act and the beginning of the Second Act. Also likely to be the Key Event.

  • Act 2A: 26%-37%

    FIRST QUARTER OF THE SECOND ACT - 26%-37%


    This section is all about REACTION. After the First Plot Point, the character scrambles to understand the obstacles being thrown in between him and his main story goal by the antagonist.

    • 1st Pinch Point - 37%

      FIRST PINCH POINT - 37%


      This is a reminder of the antagonist's power, which provides new clues about the nature of the conflict.

  • Act 2B: 38%-50%

    SECOND QUARTER OF THE SECOND ACT - 38%-50%


    This section is all about REALIZATION. As the protagonist's realizations about the true nature of both the inner and outer conflicts grow, his reactions to the conflict become more and more informed.

    • Midpoint - 50%

      MIDPOINT - 50%


      This is the Moment of Truth when the protagonist realizes the central truth about the nature of the conflict.

  • Act 2C: 51%-62%

    THIRD QUARTER OF THE SECOND ACT - 51-62%


    This section is all about ACTION. Thanks to his new understanding of the main conflict, the character begins to make decided headway against the antagonist force.

    • Second Pinch Point - 62%

      SECOND PINCH POINT - 62%


      Foreshadows the Third Plot Point and serves to remind the protagonist what is at stake if he fails to reach his main story goal.

  • Act 2D: 63%-75%

    FOURTH QUARTER OF THE SECOND ACT - 63%-75%


    This section is all about a RENEWED PUSH. The protagonist renews his attack upon the antagonistic force and reaches a seeming victory.

    • Third Plot Point - 75%

      THIRD PLOT POINT - 75%


      This is a dark moment for the character. After the victory at the end of the Second Act, he experiences a profound reversal and defeat.

  • Act 3A: 76%-87%

    FIRST HALF OF THE THIRD ACT - 76%-88%


    This section is all about RECOVERY. Protagonist reels as he questions his choices, his commitment to his goal, and his own worth and ability.

  • Act 3B: Climax - 88%-99%

    CLIMAX (SECOND HALF OF 3RD ACT) - 88%-98%


    This section is all about CONFRONTATION. The character enters a duel to the death (literally or figuratively) with the antagonistic force in their final confrontation. What occurs here ensures they cannot both walk away with what they want.

    • Resolution - 99%-100%

      RESOLUTION - 98%-100%


      Ease readers out of the tension of the Climax and into the final emotion with which you want to leave them.