The First Plot Point is often referred to as a threshold, a visual metaphor representing the native two-sidedness of all structural beats.

A series examining the two important “halves” in each of story structure’s major beats, beginning with the Inciting Event in the First Act.

Find out what defines repetitive scenes, as well as strategies for recognizing and avoiding them in your fiction.

The archetypal antagonists for the Mage Arc often manifest subtly–not  in obvious “evil,” but in an ordinary person’s weakness.

The archetypal antagonists for the Crone Arc are represented as a Death Blight and as the subtle Tempter who would lure her from the Truth.

The archetypal antagonists for the King Arc are the Cataclysm and the Rebel, both of which challenge the King to culminate his rule.

Usually the archetypal antagonists for a Queen Arc are represented by the Invader in the outer conflict and the Empty Throne in the inner conflict.

The antagonists for the Hero Arc can be seen archetypally as both the Dragon and the Sick King.

The antagonists for the Maiden Arc can be seen archetypally as both her Authority Figures and a frightening Predator.