Aristotle's Incline

Most stories and movies are formatted into what's called a 3 Act format:

Act I
In Act I, the characters are set up and the (primary) conflict is defined.  If you're writing a novel, then Act I is about 1/3 of the book.

Act II
In Act II, the conflict builds and the characters are deepened.  Act II is usually a bit longer than Act I.


Act III
In Act III, the conflict builds until the final climax.
 
 
Opening Scene (Beginning of Book):
Start with a dramatic scene; something that will hook the reader's attention.

Plot Point #1:

Plot Point #1 occurs at end of Act I.  It’s a scene or a moment in a scene that grabs the action and throws it into a new direction (usually a plot twist).

Midpoint:

The scene or moment when “Something happens.” The Midpoint is a dramatic action or a change direction (plot). The Midpoint anchors 2 other chain of events: one leading up to the midpoint and the other leading away from it. These chain of events change direction at the midpoint.  For a character it could be the point at which they "change."  For a mystery it is point at which the story changes from deepening mystery to unrevealing of the mystery.

Plot Point #2:

Plot Point #2 occurs at the end of Act II.  Like Plot Point #1, it’s a scene or a moment in a scene that grabs the action and throws it into a new direction (usually a plot twist).

Catharsis (Climax Scene):

The high point of the story when it “explodes” while it reveals and releases—a purging of emotion, theme, symbols, and character.  All the major characters should be involved and the hero (protagonist) should be doing the large action.  

Wrap-up Scene (End of Book):
Try to create a unforgettable final scene that uses images and symbols from the story.  Also try to frame the scene with the opening scene