Beating Broadway: How to Create Stories for Musicals That Get Standing Ovations

by Steve Cuden

MIDPOINT DEFINED So, what is this mysterious midpoint, and how does it work? Audiences expect a moment to occur in every story that tips them off that the protagonist is making a major transition—hopefully in his favor—toward taking control of his journey. A protagonist must stop being only reactive to the numerous, seemingly endless obstacles he has endured throughout the tale. It is human nature to favor heroes. Audiences want the hero to succeed (though not too early in the story, for what fun would that be?). After the hero accumulates information and experience, one or more ways to resolve his issues ought to occur to him. Will such revelations always work out in his favor? No. But it starts him rolling down the road with a new perspective and a reinvigorated sense of purpose and determination. Some writers call this moment a “midpoint reversal,” because the fortunes, attitudes, and directions of the protagonist may reverse course, be it temporarily or permanently. But I (and many fellow writers) think that calling this moment a “reversal” doesn’t go far enough. I believe it is much more powerful to consider this to be the moment when the protagonist takes charge of his destiny.