III. Crisis, Epiphany, and Resolution
In the beginning the crises are small, but over time they build in magnitude, pushing the character closer to a breaking point. Eventually there comes a moment when the stakes are high, and the character is uncertain. Whether through anger, fear, despair, or desire, the character is torn between the call to be a hero, and the temptation to be a villain.
Cycling Through the Middle
The middle of the story is comprised of many small conflicts. A successful resolution transitions into a new one, while a failed resolution creates new complications. In rare instances a conflict may end in a draw or interruption. The resolution is postponed. This is more common in relationship based conflicts, which are often used to add subplots (more on subplots in a later post). During the middle of the story the various small conflicts expand the scope of the story, creating a sense of new perspective in the character and the reader.