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.


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


The Big Event changes the character’s life.


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


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


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


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