Since the Second Pinch Point, things will go pretty well for the MC as they move towards their Goal. However, there is an ominous sense that it’s not going to be this easy… and they’re right. Before they know it, they will plummet into the deep hole called the Third Plot Point.
If you picture your MC’s journey as a line graph, this is the lowest point on that graph, which is why it’s also known as the Low Moment or the Dark Night of the Soul. Trial will reveal someone’s true beliefs, and this is your MC’s ultimate test.
Let’s look at a few things to consider when writing a Third Plot Point:
- Defeat/Failure
The antagonist is going to appear to triumph, and it will seem like the MC has failed. They may have captured the MC and/or the MC’s loved ones, destroyed something (or someone) the MC loves, revealed something that wounds the MC in some way, or obstructed the MC’s Goal with a wall that seems impenetrable. Any way you choose to execute this plot point, all is going to seem lost.
In “The Basket of Flowers,” Helen degrades Mary by revealing that she is a banished criminal and subsequently drives her from the farm. This is a huge blow to Mary because it further scars her testimony (which she holds in high regard), and it also presents her with a dilemma: Where is she to go now? Without her father to guide and care for her, she is at a loss for what to do.
In “Pendragon,” Artos agrees to fight with his loyal men against the Saxons (which means almost certain death) since it’s his fault they’re in this situation. This is exactly what Caydern wants, and exactly what Artos feared would happen.
- Plot revelation
On an external scale, you’ll want to save some juicy reveals for the Third Plot Point. You want your MC—as well as your audience—to reel from the shock of what they’ve discovered. Not only will this effect them on a plot level, but it will also play a role in their internal conflict.
In “The Basket of Flowers,” there is not much of a plot reveal beyond the fact that Helen knows of Mary’s past. But since this is more of a character-driven story, the other events of this plot point still have the same, shock effect as a plot reveal would.
In “Pendragon,” the plot reveal is Caydern’s evil plan to get rid of all of his enemies at once—and to give him the full allegiance of his countrymen.
- Death
During the Third Plot Point, death should be present—whether physically, or symbolically. Perhaps someone close to the MC has died, or the MC is facing death himself. Or maybe something symbolically “dies” (such as a job, a relationship, a pet, or even a potted plant). This will further drive home both the stakes and the loss.
In “The Basket of Flowers,” Mary is reminded of her father’s loss as she realizes how much she misses and needs him. Helen’s discovery of her past also appears to signal death to her reputation. (Not to mention the fact that Mary literally goes to visit a graveyard.)
In “Pendragon,” Artos and his men are facing a battle that will most likely end in death for them all. Furthermore, the Saxons have broken their truce with Caydern, which means they’re now free to execute Princess Wenneveria.
- The Truth vs. the Lie
Now, as for the internal conflict, the Lie will also seem to triumph. As the MC stares into the face of the antagonist and all he stands for, he cannot help but be reminded of the seeming weakness of the Truth. It’s as though the antagonist—and the entire World—is taunting the MC: “Look where your Truth got you! I guess the Lie really is stronger!”
And the worst part is, everything around the MC seems to echo the same thing. The circumstances are bleak. The Truth has failed. It’s over.
In “The Basket of Flowers,” Mary’s Truth seems to be crushed under the weight of the Lie. She’s always believed that God would never forsake her… but now it seems like He has.
In “Pendragon,” it’s much the same. Artos has been sacrificing for the Truth the entire movie, and look where it’s gotten him. It truly seems like it’s not worth it.
- The choice
There must be a clear choice between the Lie and the Truth—the antagonist’s way or what the MC has believed up until this point. It could be something as huge as Artos choosing between dying with his men or living to see another day, or something smaller, such as Mary choosing to either trust God or become bitter towards Him.
Again, the Lie must look tempting. After all, the MC has lived his life on the basis that Truth will win out in the end. And now, it seems as though they were wrong… maybe the Lie has won, and the Truth has failed.
But has it? Has the Truth really failed? Somehow, even though all the World screams against it, the MC rises above the challenges and objections. Their situation has not changed—indeed, it may have worsened—but they’re determined. They will believe the Truth. In fact, they’re willing to cling to it until their last breath (which is likely to be sooner rather than later).
You may recall that, in our Positive Change Arc series, I told you to strip everything away from the MC—all that he loves and cares about. I said that this was so the MC would be left with nothing to hide behind and that they would be forced to face their true nature. This is exactly what happens in a Flat Arc, except the MC will cling tighter to the Truth instead of embracing it for the first time.
So, while death seems imminent, the MC’s faith in the Truth has been strengthened, and they rise to face the Lie head-on.
In “The Basket of Flowers,” Mary flees to the cemetery where her father is buried. And there, among the moss-covered, crumbling gravestones, she resolves to trust God no matter what.
(Note: This Third Plot Point isn’t as dramatic, since the story is mainly driven by internal conflict. But it’s still a good example of this particular plot point.)
In “Pendragon,” Artos deliberately chooses the impossible odds, trusting that God will give him the strength to defeat the Saxons—or give him the courage to die alongside his loyal men (which, given the circumstances, seems the most likely of the two.)
Here are a few more examples of Third Plot Points:
- Despite the odds, Sophie convinces the BFG to help her defeat the giants (“The BFG”)
- Auto injures Wall-E and dumps him—as well as Eve and the plant—into the trash compactor (“Wall-E”)
- Will returns to his office and writes his will (“High Noon”)
- Leaving the Browns’ house, Paddington searches for the explorer alone (“Paddington”)
Comment below the Third Plot Point of your favorite book or movie!