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

ByAlexis Roark

The End of the Beginning is the first Energetic Marker and major turning point in a story. It happens around the 25% mark and signals 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 after at 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 but 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.

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