Your character has just been plunged into an entirely new world. No longer in the Normal World where they could be relatively comfortable in their Lie, they are now in the Adventure World, where the Lie doesn’t work and the main conflict abounds. At this point, it’s a confusing world full of unknowns.

Unfortunately for your MC, this Adventure World has a whole new set of rules. These rules are very different from the rules that applied in the Normal World, which were built upon the MC’s Lie. The rules of the Adventure World—while they might seem harsh—are built upon the Truth.

(Note: Don’t be mistaken by the fact that the Adventure World is supposed to present the Truth. This doesn’t mean the World will be any less dangerous, cruel, and unfair. It’s called the Adventure World for a reason. But nevertheless, this World is still going to help teach your character a lesson—that the Lie doesn’t work.)

While this can all remain metaphoric, you could have it represented by the MC’s reaction to the physical changes in this new Adventure World. Your MC is going to spend a lot the time in between the First Plot Point and the First Pinch Point trying to get his bearings. He’s trying to figure out how to survive in this world, yet still keep his Lie. He’s also provided with tools to overcome his Lie, though he shoves them aside once again.

In “Beyond the Mask,” Will takes on a new name along with his new specific goal (which we discussed in the last post). He travels to Philadelphia to get a job with Benjamin Franklin, whom he believes is somehow connected to Charles Kemp’s plans.

Here is where we find Will discovering the Adventure World of the Americas. Since he was previously more concerned with surviving, Will doesn’t know much about the colonies and appears to be indifferent to either side of the soon-to-be revolution. In the end, it’s Franklin who helps Will discover what his convictions are.

“In Time of Need” has no scenes in between the First Plot Point and the First Pinch Point since, once again, it’s a short story.

So now we come to the First Pinch Point. As the name suggests, this plot point serves as a “pinch,” or an uncomfortable reminder to the MC. Up to this point, as we’ve seen, the MC has been reeling from the First Plot Point and struggling to adjust to the Adventure World. But even though it’s hard enough as it is, it’s about to get harder. The First Pinch Point is going to remind the MC of three things:

1. The antagonist

The First Pinch Point is the antagonist’s opportunity to strike back at the MC. It might be something small, but it will remind or inform the MC of the antagonist’s presence and power. While the Adventure World has been hard enough on The MC, the antagonist must provide the most conflict.

Just as with the First Plot Point, you don’t have to actually reveal who the antagonist is. But make sure that their presence is definitely felt by the MC.

In “Beyond the Mask,” Charles Kemp’s men place electricity-charged bombs in patriot shops around the city. This show’s both Kemp’s power, and reveals more of his plans to Will.

In “In Time of Need,” Mr. Beasley forces Tad to play the part of a pampered rich boy in order to fool Mr. Sinclair. Not only that, but he takes Ava hostage to secure Tad’s cooperation.

2. The stakes

In case the MC has forgotten what’s at stake here, the First Pinch Point will remind them of this. Whether it’s a job, happiness, or the life of someone they love, it’s emphasized why the MC must win the main conflict.

In “Beyond the Mask,” Will sees the destruction and chaos Charles has created in Philadelphia and knows that it will be much worse if Charles is allowed to succeed. He’s also provided with a more personal stake… his relationship with Charlotte (more on that in the next point).

In “In Time of Need,” Ava’s kidnapping emphasizes her safety, a high stake for Tad. While the mistreatment of the factory workers and tenants is definitely a problem, Tad’s first concern is his sister.

3. The Truth

As I said before, the Lie is no longer effective in this Adventure World. Up until this point, the MC has refused to believe it, stubbornly clinging to his Lie. But at the First Pinch Point, the MC’s Lie is going to fail, and they will be punished in some way for using it.

Remember, the Adventure World is supposed to oppose the Lie. So, though it represents the Truth in a sense, it can have a harsh way of enforcing it. This is why your Flat Arc, Truth-believing characters are there to accurately represent the Truth in a softer, more human form.

In “Beyond the Mask,” the opposition to Will’s Lie is a bit harder to pinpoint. Since much of the conflict comes from within himself, it would seem that his own doubts play a part in the First Pinch Point. We see him watching Charlotte from afar, and he knows that he must become a changed man before he can approach her again. This thought carries over into the Midpoint, which we’ll look at next time.

In “In Time of Need,” Tad’s helplessness to protect both himself and Ava is shown again and again. Because of his refusal to accept help, he appears to have backed himself into a corner. And, though he doesn’t see it yet, the Lie has begun to obstruct his Want.

Here are a few more examples of First Pinch Points:

1. The new ship commander tests Judah (“Ben-Hur”)
2. The dogs search for the bird; Carl and Russell find the bird (“Up”)
3. Harry takes another job; George gives up his honeymoon (“It’s a Wonderful Life”)
4. Joy and Sadness meet Bing-Bong,; they miss the Train of Thought (“Inside Out”)

Using these tips, you can create your own First Pinch Point. Though the pinch points will be much smaller events than the main plot points, they’ll provide a needed reminder of the stakes, the antagonist, and the Truth.

Comment below the First Pinch Point of your favorite book or movie!