Seven-Point Story Structure

The beats, in order

Percentages show roughly where each beat lands in the finished story — the midpoint of a 110-page screenplay is page 55.

1. 1.Hook

   ~5%

   The opening that establishes the protagonist's starting state and the world. This is the mirror image of the Resolution; whatever is true here will be inverted by the end.

2. 2.Plot Turn 1

   ~25%

   The event that drags the protagonist out of the Hook and onto the path of the main conflict. Introduces the central problem and tilts the world.

3. 3.Pinch 1

   ~37%

   Pressure from the antagonist or obstacle ramps up. The protagonist gets hurt, loses ground, or sees the threat clearly for the first time. Forces them to commit.

4. 4.Midpoint

   ~50%

   The protagonist moves from reactive to proactive. They commit to a plan, gain a key piece of knowledge, or finally take ownership of the conflict.

5. 5.Pinch 2

   ~62%

   The bigger, worse version of Pinch 1. A devastating loss, a betrayal, or a moment where everything seems unwinnable. The protagonist is at their lowest.

6. 6.Plot Turn 2

   ~75%

   The protagonist acquires what they need to win: a tool, an insight, an ally, a resolve. This is the answer set up by the Hook coming home.

7. 7.Resolution

   ~100%

   The protagonist applies the new knowledge or tool from Plot Turn 2 against the conflict. The Hook's premise is inverted; the story closes.

Terms used in this guide