creenwriting Fundamentals

Turning Point Two

The protagonist, having spectacularly failed to achieve their goal at the midpoint, renews their struggle against the antagonist while wrestling with having to change their ways, which were so comfortable and unchallenging at the outset of this story.

image image

But as the second act draws to a close, somewhere around page 90 of the screenplay, another failure seems imminent...

...until the second turning point occurs. Like the first turning point that catapulted the protagonist into Act Two, this will throw them headfirst into Act Three. Turning point two should accomplish several things:

First, it should create one last, final chance at defeating the antagonist and/or achieving their goal. All other options are gone—it’s this or nothing.

To go along with that, the stakes should be as high as possible. The protagonist stands to lose everything for themselves and others should they fail.

Third, this turning point sets up a final confrontation to come…one that will bring protagonist and antagonist into direct conflict.

How do I create my Second Turning Point?

Start by deciding:

  • Do I want an "up" ending or a "down" ending?
  • For a powerful "up" ending, put the protagonist's success in doubt just before the Second Turning Point.
  • For a powerful "down" ending, make the protagonist's success all but in the clear just before the Second Turning Point.
  • What major layer can be uncovered which will force the protagonist into an endgame?
image image

Tidbit:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.