S2E5 2nd Turning Point/Deshi Kruger

Hello, and welcome back to the Inked blog, y’all! Today our guest is Mr. Deshi Kruger. He’s going to discuss the 2nd turning point in our stories: what it is and how we can use it as writers. Let’s dive right in!

Egan’s Definition: The 2nd turning point (also called “turning point two” or “plot point two”) occurs near the end of the story, typically after the climax. It typically represents a significant change or realization for the protagonist, as well.

1. Why is there a second turning point?

“I think it’s a defining moment for the character…It’s a moment where the character sort of takes a step back, and the reader can take a step back, and look at how far he’s come, what he has done all this time. And usually, not always, there’s an item or a tool or a weapon that he takes from the villain, and this is the moment where the character will sometimes go, ‘What do I do with this? Do I destroy it? Do I use it for good? Or do I just leave it here?’”

2. What does a second turning point look like in a story?

“Usually it will start out with decision or perhaps some self doubt with the character [where] the character is asking himself ‘Can I do this?’ …And then will come afterward the realization, where he realizes ‘Oh, I can’t’ or ‘I can.’ So basically it’s the part where the main character decides what to do.”

3. What does the second turning point lead to?

“The second turning point would lead to the falling action, in my opinion. This character has decided what to do, and now it’s time to act upon it.”

4. Do you have any tips for writing a second turning point?

“One thing, make sure the turning point leads to the falling action, which leads to the resolution. What I mean is don’t leave them at the turning point. Sometimes it can work, but sometimes it’s just going to make the reader mad…so make sure the turning point is connected to something and is not just floating around out there.

“Make sure it’s not too long, cause the second turning point can be very important because it gives the reader the chance to also look around–sort of a breather where the final battle has been won, you can see what’s happening. But if you wait too long, the reader might become bored, they’ll be like, ‘Okay, can we move on to how this ends? We know all this is happening, but now what’s going to happen? What happens now?’”

Thanks for hanging out this week! We’ll see you next time!

-Sophia Wheeler (Writer)