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Oct 5, 2022 at 1:49pm
#3524930
The climax of a story is the dramatic turning point. It is the pivotal moment at the peak of the story arc that pits the protagonist against the antagonist in order to resolve the main plot conflict once and for all. It should come in the third act (3-act structure) or the fourth act (5-act structure) i.e. near the end of the story. The climax is one of the most important pieces in the plot structure; it’s the moment when the rising action culminates and the main character's story arc reaches its zenith and then begins its descent (the falling action). The climax is generally the high point at which your main character faces their main problem or biggest obstacle. Be sure your main character is the one who solves the story problem in your climax. Avoid a deus ex-machina where someone or something else appears and saves the day for your main character. The reason this conflict is happening should matter. It should be a make-or-break, life-or-death struggle. There should be a build-up of tension in the scene(s) so in the beginning, the opening shots should be restrained, perhaps, if the exchange is going to be violent, start with a verbal exchange or a single slap or punch and then gradually escalate to a full on battle. The greatest key to a successful climactic scene is reader empathy. You absolutely must keep your reader's heart and mind locked inside the psyche of your protagonist, or else you risk making your reader shrug their shoulders and say meh, whatever. What you want is for your readers to have a white knuckle ride and to cheer the protagonist on to victory. Happy prepping.  
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by A E Willcox
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