The End of the Beginning: Your Story’s First Turning Point

The End of the Beginning is the first Energetic Marker and major turning point in a story. It happens around the 25% mark and marks the shift from the Beginning to the 1st half of the Middle.

At this moment:

• Whether the protagonist goes willingly or is pushed into the Middle at the first Energetic Marker, the protagonist knows there is no turning back.
• The stakes become clear and personal.
• The story picks up momentum, moving into new territory.

What is the End of the Beginning?

• It is the moment when the protagonist officially steps into their story.
• The shift should feel inevitable, clear, and irreversible.

Examples of Strong End of the Beginning Moments

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Harry boards the Hogwarts Express, leaving his old life behind.
• The Hunger Games: Katniss volunteers as tribute, changing the course of her life.
• The Lion King: Simba runs away from the Pride Lands, setting his fate in motion.

Why This Moment Matters

• If the End of the Beginning is weak, the story may feel directionless or slow.
• If End of the Beginning  comes too late,the reader can become bored.
• If it comes too early, the reader will not have a chance to compare before and afterat the End of the story
• If the End of the Beginning is strong, the reader feels the momentum shift and is engaged.

How to Write a Strong End of the Beginning

1. Make It a Decision
   • The protagonist must actively or reluctantly choose to move forward.
   • Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss chooses to take Prim’s place—she isn’t forced, she decides.
2. Raise the Stakes
   • There should be clear consequences to this choice.
   • Example: In Harry Potter, once Harry leaves Privet Drive, there’s no going back.
3. Ensure It’s Unavoidable
   • Whatever happens, the protagonist can’t return to how things were before.
   • Example: In The Lion King, Simba can’t undo his father’s death or return home.

Writing Prompt

“Look at your End of the Beginning scene. Does your protagonist actively make a choice? If not, how can you make the moment stronger?”

Your Turn!

Share your End of the Beginning moment in the comments or post it on Instagram using #EnergeticMarkersSeries.