Climax is touted as the most exciting part of the story. It’s also a main focus as it features prominently in the plot diagram. There’s a reason for this, of course. The climax is the point when challenges are overcome, solutions are implemented, and heroes are made.
The climax is the part audiences anticipate and some writers dread. Young writers, especially, can encounter some difficulty with writing the climax of their stories. What many don’t quite understand is that a great climax is the result of a compelling goal and engaging conflict. The entire story is a journey toward the climax.
So, how do you write a great climax? Here are five steps young writers should follow:
- Give the main character a strong desire for something, then spend the beginning of the story making them fight for it.
- Build the tension to the point where they feel like they will never get what they want.
- Introduce a last minute hope, motivation, or tool that can help the main character achieve their desire.
- Make the main character work for their desire. Even with the last minute help, finally achieving the goal cannot be easy, and should never be convenient.
- Ensure the main character’s feelings are absolutely clear. Feelings should move from hopeful to distressed to desperate, before becoming determined and finally triumphant.
