How to Write Great Turning Points in Your Novel

A turning point is a moment in a story when a major narrative shift takes place and the rest of the story will be different. Turning points can come at any point during a story’s structure, but they often come either with the first plot point—when the main character decides to take part in the storyline’s main conflict (after the inciting incident)—or at the climax of the story—when the conflict comes to a head and there’s no turning back (also called the point of no return).

Here are a few classic examples of key turning points in fiction writing:

1. 1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: The play Romeo and Juliet follows the relationship of two star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet was written in a five-act structure, and a major turning point in the play comes in the third act when a sudden duel leaves two characters dead and Romeo banished from the country (and from his love, Juliet). This scene changes the tone of the story, forcing the couple to take drastic action to stay together.
2. 2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Throughout the story of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find themselves at odds with one another. However, a major turning point comes toward the end of the book, when Elizabeth discovers that Mr. Darcy helped her sister during a difficult situation. From this moment on, Elizabeth’s point of view changes, and the story shifts to follow her newfound romantic interest in the man she had previously hated.

Here are a few tips to help you make your turning points interesting, believable, and potent:

1. 1. Build up to the turning point of the story. While turning points shouldn’t be predictable, you also don’t want to write a ridiculous plot point that your readers won’t believe would really happen. For instance, if in your thriller your main character suddenly decides to become the bad guy, readers may resist this sudden drastic change and won’t find the very end of the story fulfilling. Sprinkle in a set-up so that your character arcs feel powerful and realistic.
2. 2. Think of each turning point as a moment of crisis. A good work of literature will have tension building up as the main story progresses—this is the decisive moment when the tension reaches its peak. Make the character’s worst fear come true. Change their future forever in a single moment. Turning points and pinch points are moments when your characters are forced to confront significant change.
3. 3. Plan your turning points ahead of time. If you know the series of events that make up your whole story—or at least part of your story—you’ll have an easier time coming up with a turning point, and it will feel more deliberate for your readers. Seeing the arc of your rising action, falling action, and the eventual end of the story (also called the denouement) will help you identify exactly when and where the point of highest tension should appear.
4. 4. Your turning point doesn't have to be a big twist. A twist is when a story reveals new information or shifts the story so drastically that the reader is shocked or amazed. Twists are fine and can be a great part of a story, but they’re not a requirement in the definition of a turning point. Rather, a turning point can be as simple as finalizing a divorce or deciding to adopt a child. The purpose of a turning point should be about character development and putting your characters in new situations with new problems. Don’t worry too much about a dramatic turn as much a strategic one that helps the story change direction.

Become a better writer with the Masterclass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by literary masters, including Neil Gaiman, David Baldacci, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood, David Sedaris, and more.