Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point?
It is hard enough to learn how to develop an interesting character and plot a fictional story that captures a reader’s interest. But what is a pinch point? How many are there in a fictional story and how are they used? Many seasoned writers do not even know!
In Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point? we demystify the term and show how inserting significant emotion-packed pinch points into your fictional story can help motivate characters to pursue their story goal.
Follow along as we discuss:
- What is a Pinch Point?
- Examples of Pinch Points in Popular Films
- How You Can Insert Pinch Points into Your Own Fictional Story
If you have never heard of the term ‘Pinch Points’ you are not alone. I had already published multiple novels for a prominent traditional publisher before I ever heard of Pinch Points. And I am certain that many of my friends who also have multiple books published are not acquainted with them. So I will share what I know, but if you are a newbie just starting out, do not worry whether you insert them into your story or not.
Who knows? You may be including Pinch Points into the scenes of your book without being consciously aware of it.
However, if you learn what Pinch Points are, you will be more apt to write a story that packs the right punch at the right moment, giving readers a heartfelt tale that they can’t put down.
1) What is a Pinch Point?
A pinch point is an emotional moment in your fictional novel that serves to pull on the heartstrings of the main character and renew his motivation to pursue his story goal.
Location of Pinch Points in a novel:
There are usually two pinch points in a novel, one about midway through the first half of ACT II and another about midway through the second half of ACT II. (If you are unfamiliar with the 3-ACT Structure, let’s just say the first pinch point might be a few chapters before the midpoint of your novel and the second pinch point might be a few chapters after the midpoint.)
Pinch Point #1 is a moment in the story where the character pauses to reflect on what he or she is doing, usually triggered by a specific event in the story that really hit him emotionally or tugged at his heartstrings, squeezed or “pinched” his heart. The pinch point hurt the character deep inside. The character may find himself trapped between a rock and a hard place and he doesn’t know what to do next.
Pinch Point #1 serves to remind the protagonist of the past and all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal. (What are the unbearable consequences he will face?) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed energy and resolve. He will not give up!
Pinch Point #2 is another moment where something happens to make the main character pause and reflect. Another heartfelt moment to pull on the heartstrings. While Pinch Point #1 reminded the main character why he must press forward with his goal, Pinch Point #2 also reinforces his motivation to achieve his goal and keep his focus on what is truly important.
However, while Pinch Point #1 causes the character to look at the past and all he could lose, Pinch Point #2 may cause the character to look forward to the future and see all he could win if he just presses on.
By Pinch Point #2, the main character has been tested and challenged, and has changed from the person he was at the beginning of the story journey. His perspective may have changed, and this is why he is now looking forward instead of back at the past. There may be more be more riding on his ability to achieve his goal than there was before. Perhaps the main character is now involved in a relationship that also hangs in the balance, or there may be more consequences involved that are now tied to the story resolution.
What will be the outcome if the character can summon new strength and continue forward with renewed resolve toward the finish line? (Or the climax or final battle or final confrontation with the opposition at the end of the story?) What does your character hope for? What does he ardently hope to achieve? The second pinch point, like the first, motivates the character to find a way to persevere and keep going no matter how high the odds are stacked against him!
Pinch points may also be called ‘pressure points’ because at this moment the pressure is on! The character must overcome the obstacles, defeat the opposition, or outwit the antagonist / villain. Achieving this goal means more now than ever before!
How has the antagonist / villain or opposition moved to press painful pressure on your main character? What did the opposition do? How has that made things worse for your character? Did the antagonist discover the main character’s weakness and use it to his advantage? Did he hit a nerve? Hit your character where it hurts most? Why does this “pinch” your main character’s heart or put even more pressure on him?
This moment is also a pinch point for the reader, too! This moment should pull on their heartstrings and have them sympathizing with the main character and rooting for him to summon the courage to continue on! Pinch points renew the story tension and keep readers turning pages!
Warning! This post contains story spoilers. If you have not already seen the movie and do not want any story spoilers the first time around, you might want to watch the movie for enjoyment then watch it a second time using this post to help you identify each story element.
2) Examples of Pinch Points in Popular Films
The Greatest Showman
(starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron)
Pinch Point #1: In our story analysis of The Greatest Showman, Pinch Point #1 comes when Barnum and his family go to watch their daughter, Caroline, perform at her ballet recital. At this point in the story Barnum thinks he is doing well financially and has proven himself worthy, giving his family their heartfelt desires for the life they always wanted.
Then after the recital Barnum sees Caroline being mocked by the other girls for being the daughter of a circus owner, saying she smells like elephants. They do not feel she is good enough to be associated with them, which reminds Barnum of his own childhood and how he felt when belittled. This touches him deeply and rouses his anger.
This incident inspires him to seek more success, to keep striving to win the respect of others so they will not look down on him or his family. This moment also touches the reader/viewer, for it is a universal emotion to want what is best for our children and when they are hurt, we hurt.
Pinch Point #2: About halfway through the second half of ACT II, we have Pinch Point #2. Another moment to pull on the heartstrings. While Pinch Point #1 reminded the main character why he must press forward with his goal, Pinch Point #2 also reinforces his motivation once again to achieve his goal and keep his focus on what is truly important.
Barnum says goodbye to his family, determined to tour across the country with his newfound singer whom he hopes will bring his name more prestige. His girls run after him, not wanting him to go. The eldest daughter, Caroline, sees his empty seat beside her mother at her ballet recital and wishes he was there. His wife, Charity, sees that her daughter is missing him, as is she, and also wishes he was there. All his family wants is him, to be together.
Notice how both pinch points center on Caroline at her ballet recital. The first reminds him of his past and the second represents his misguided quest to fix that self-worth problem for the future. But at what expense? Again, the reader / viewer’s heart is wrenched by the fact his family misses him and they are not able to be together.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
(starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan)
Pinch Point #1: The teenagers challenge each other over personal differences and we see why they aren’t all friends. Martha and Bethany squabble, and then Spencer and Fridge fight, and when Spencer falls over a cliff and reappears falling from the sky with one less life bar, they realize they must all work together or they might all die in the game and never get home.
The first pinch point serves to remind the main protagonist of all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal (of winning the game before their life forces run out.) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed resolve. He will not give up!
Pinch Point #2: About halfway through the second half of Act II, we have Pinch Point #2. Another moment to pull on the heartstrings. While Pinch Point #1 may have led the main character to see all they had to lose (their lives) if they did not press forward with their goal, Pinch Point #2 leads them to see all they might gain.
Because of the enormous win in the story plot that the group just had, they celebrate their victory. They are working together, actively using their avatar character strengths, and experiencing success!
Then when they land, Alex suddenly gets bit by a mosquito and mosquito bites are his avatar character’s weakness. His last life-force tattoo bar starts to disappear, and the group realizes Alex will die! But Bethany sacrifices one of her last two bars to save Alex’s life when she gives him CPR. Alex thanks Bethany for saving his life and they all realize once again that they have to beat Jumanji and win this game, so they all have a chance to live.
Both Pinch Points are filled with emotion and are a wake-up call that they better get their acts together to achieve the story goal or the consequences could be fatal!
While Pinch Pt. #1 gave them a glimpse of what they could lose, Pinch Pt. #2 gives them a glimpse of what they could win. They are looking to the future and what they have to gain. This reinforces their motivation once again to achieve their goal.
Top Gun: Maverick
(starring Tom Cruise)
Pinch Point #1: The first pinch point serves to remind the main protagonist of all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal (of training the young pilots to fly the mission.) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed resolve. He will not give up!
The first pinch point in Top Gun: Maverick is when Maverick goes to see the admiral / “Ice Man” and finds his friend is dying of cancer. He tells Ice Man that “Rooster” is still mad at him for delaying his application to be a pilot. Maverick says he didn’t think the boy was ready then, doesn’t know if he is ready now. Ice Man says teach him. Maverick says he doesn’t want to send the young man on the mission to die. This isn’t just any young man. This is the son of Maverick’s best friend who died while they were out on a mission. Maverick feels protective of this young man and says it would be better if he himself went on the mission.
This is a highly emotional moment where Maverick faces the past and fears what he could lose.
Ice Man tells him that it’s time to let go. Maverick responds that he doesn’t know how. He feels that he is not a teacher, he’s a fighter pilot. It’s who he is. Maverick is between a rock and a hard place (great conflict!) because if he sends Rooster on the mission the kid might never come home, but if he does not send him, Rooster will never forgive him, never see him again. Either way, Maverick fears he will lose him. And he has tried so hard to be a father figure to him.
Ice Man says the kid needs Maverick, the navy needs Maverick. Maverick responds – that is why he was still here. (Reinforcing his motivation to achieve his goal.)
Pinch Point #2: About halfway through the second half of Act II, we have Pinch Point #2. Another moment to pull on the heartstrings. While Pinch Point #1 may have led the main character to see all they had to lose if they did not press forward with their goal, Pinch Point #2 leads them to see all they might gain.
In an emotional tension-filled few moments, Rooster confronts Maverick and demands to know why Maverick pulled his papers and delayed his application to become a navy pilot. Maverick tells him that he doesn’t know what it’s like up there and says, “Don’t think, just do. If you think, you’re dead.” Afterward, Maverick must consider what he might gain if he succeeds in teaching Rooster. His counsel might be able to save his life and their relationship.
Beauty and the Beast
(Disney animated)
Pinch Point #1: Belle’s life is in danger, but the beast saves her, although he is badly wounded. Belle can run off to freedom but remembers her promise to stay and take her father’s place.
Belle and the Beast have been battling against each other, but after the beast saves her and she does not leave but instead decides to stay and bandage his wound, a new understanding develops between them. Belle realizes the beast can be sweet and they become friends. There is a chance she can keep her promise to live at the castle peacefully (the deal she made to save her father from harm.)
The staff at the castle thinks Belle could be the one to help the beast break the curse (which would save them all) and urge him to do something nice for Belle. The beast shows her the library filled with books. She teaches the beast to be gentle with the birds in the yard and how to smile again as she and the beast have a snowball fight.
This tugs on everyone’s heartstrings because the viewer / castle staff all know that there is now a chance to break the curse and restore the kingdom!
Pinch Point #2: Gaston convinces the town that Belle’s father is crazy for raving about a beast and wants the director of the asylum to take her father away and lock him up. Unless Belle agrees to marry Gaston. The first and second pinch points tug at, twist, or “pinch” the heart with emotion and remind the protagonist the reason they need to remain focused on achieving their goal. Belle is concerned for the welfare of her father. That is what started her on this story journey—her desire to save her father from harm. Belle resolves to prove her father is not crazy and shows the crowd the beast using the magical mirror he gave her.
The universal emotion here is Belle’s love for her father and her desire to protect him.
Passengers
(starring Jennifer Lawrence & Chris Pratt)
Pinch Point #1: Jim instructs Arthur, the android bartender, not to tell Aurora that he was the one who awakened her from her sleeping pod. (The theme of trusting in technology comes up. The viewer just knows this is foreshadowing a backfire where the heroine finds out the truth!)
The whole first half of the book, our hero keeps this big dark secret from the heroine and lets her believe she woke up by accident, just like him. The story question is set up for the viewer/reader: How will she react when she finds out the truth? The audience will keep watching or reading to find out! We fear the truth will eventually come out to ruin everything between Jim and Aurora. He doesn’t want to lose her!
The first pinch point serves to remind the hero all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal (of keeping the secret and convincing the heroine to fall in love with him.) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed resolve.
Pinch Point #2: After finding out what Jim did, essentially dooming her to live out her life on this spaceship, Aurora sees an old video from a friend she left behind on earth who says Aurora was never happy on earth. The friend hopes Aurora finds love and takes chances. This tugs on Aurora’s heart because she did find love with Jim, before she got mad at him, and this friend’s message reminds her of what’s really important. She resolves to look forward to the future, especially when the spaceship malfunctions and she must work with Jim to fix the ship so that they can have a future!
Signs
(starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix)
Pinch Point #1: The first pinch point serves to remind the main protagonist of all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal (of protecting his family from the aliens.) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed resolve. He will not give in!
The first pinch point in “Signs” is when Graham finds his son and daughter with tin foil hats on their heads ‘so the aliens can’t read their minds.’ They are looking at the book about aliens they got from the library.
At first, Graham mocks the legitimacy of such a book, to which the children take offense. But then they all see a picture of a house in the book that looks like their house, and three dead figures laying on the ground which resemble a father and two children.
This image hits too close to home and brings out Graham’s fear of being unable to protect his family, and he shuts the book. It is obvious he realizes that this is what can happen to them if he does not protect his family from the aliens and he strengthens his resolve to take steps to keep them safe.
Pinch Point #2: In an emotional tension-filled few moments before the aliens break into their house, Graham tries to distract the children from the commotion outside by telling each of them about the day they were born and how special they are. It wrenches the heart because if they live through this night, they have so much life to live and enjoy.
This motivates Graham onward and he and Merrill finish boarding up the house and move the children downstairs to the basement, determined to stick this out.
Frozen
(Disney animated)
Pinch Point #1: The first pinch point serves to remind the main protagonist of all he could lose if he doesn’t attain his goal (Anna trying to save her relationship with her sister, Elsa.) Pinch Point #1 also motivates him to continue forward with renewed resolve. He will not give up!
Anna and Kristoff meet the recreated Olaf, a talking snowman from Elsa and Anna’s youth, and Anna is certain that it was Elsa who built him. They need Olaf to lead them to Elsa so she can bring back summer and save the kingdom and save their relationship. Olaf is disillusioned and dreams of summer, not realizing it could lead to his demise when he melts. Without Olaf’s help Anna may lose her sister.
The stakes are raised for Kristoff as he realizes that his ice block trading profession depends on Elsa bringing back summer. No one will buy ice from him if it is readily available everywhere in the kingdom with an eternal winter. He must help Anna, or he may lose his business!
Pinch Point #2: Kristoff sees Anna’s whole head of hair turn white and he fears for Anna’s health and realizes their future is in jeopardy if she doesn’t get help. He takes her to see his family, the trolls, who he’d previously told her were “Love Experts.” He saw long ago how the trolls healed a young girl from this same ailment, although he did not realize that girl was Anna. The stakes have been raised. Now that he has fallen in love with Anna, he fears losing her! (Which is even more important than losing his job and makes bringing Elsa back to the village even more important.)
And if Anna perishes, she will never be reconciled with her sister and be able to convince Elsa to save the kingdom by bringing back summer. It is important that she live! Kristoff will do anything he can to save Anna.
Marry Me
(starring Jennifer Lopez & Owen Wilson)
Pinch Point #1: In Marry Me, Charlie tells Kat that she’s beautiful even without all the fame. Kat has reservations to go to Puerto Rico (where her ex-fiancé Bastion is) and Charlie says if that is what she wants, then go. He reminds her if she goes back to Bastion, she’s making the same mistake of trusting the wrong guy all over again. Just as she has done many times in the past.
Kat wants to marry for true love, and Bastion has already proved that he is not worthy. Charlie is beginning to fall for Kat, and realizes he could lose her over different needs, the way he lost his first wife.
This moment reminds each of them why they are trying to make this unconventional marriage work and remotivates them to achieve the goal of staying together.
Pinch Point #2: The second pinch point in Marry Me occurs when Bastion comes to find Kat at Charlie’s school, (invading Charlie’s home turf) and announces that the song Bastion and Kat recorded, “Marry Me,” has been nominated for a major award. They are scheduled to perform together at the award ceremony. While Charlie is happy for Kat, who seeks public credibility, he is jealous when she goes off to a party with Bastion to celebrate. Charlie is afraid Kat will fall back in love with Bastion and that he will lose the future he has begun to dream of with Kat.
3) How You Can Insert Pinch Points into Your Own Fictional Story
Step 1:
What is your main character’s goal at the beginning of the story?
How is the antagonist or villain or opposition trying to stop him or her from achieving that goal? And why?
What is your main character’s motivation or why is it important that he or she overcomes the opposition and achieves his goal? Why doesn’t he or she just give up? In other words, what drives the main character to overcome the big story problem presented by the antagonist at the Inciting Incident? What are the consequences if your character fails?
Step 2:
Right before Pinch Point #1, what does the antagonist or villain or opposition do to trigger an emotional response from the main character? What instigates a moment where your character must stop and pause to reflect? How did the opposition just gain the upper hand? What happened to remind the main character that achieving his goal is of great importance?
Step 3:
Now – at Pinch point #1 halfway into the first part of Act II (or a few chapters before the midpoint of your book) what is your main character’s response to that trigger incident, or the action just taken by the opposition? What emotional scene or specific poignant moment can you insert that would serve to remind your character of his goal and the consequences of failure?
This is a sequel scene or reaction scene.
Emotion / Gut reaction: First the character feels emotional pain.
Thought: The character may think about what he or she is up against and wonder how to overcome the opposition and achieve their goal.
Quandary: The character may be placed in a difficult position where no choice seems to be right. He looks back to memories of his past (perhaps past failures) and considers all he could lose if he does not achieve his goal. He may seek counsel from a friend.
Decision: The character must make a decision to continue to pursue his goal with renewed passion and determination. He resolves he will not be defeated! He will not fail! He will persevere!
This motivational moment in your fictional novel can be a full scene or a brief moment played out in just one or two lines. This reactionary moment causes the character to pause to reflect on what is at stake. It is usually a moment packed with emotion because of the goal’s importance. Tensions run high if even only for a second. How can this scene cause the character to look back at his past and re-commit to his story goal?
- Who is in the scene at Pinch Point #1?
- What is said? Or what is observed?
- Where is this scene set?
- How can this moment re-motivate your character to continue forward toward his goal?
Step 4:
For Pinch Point #2 – halfway through the second half of Act II (or just a few chapters after the novel’s midpoint) – how can you insert another scene, similar to the first, that also reminds the character of the importance of his goals and continuing forward? What happens at this key moment? Did the antagonist or villain or opposition just do something else again? Is there a new development in the plot that throws your main character off track?
What is your main character’s emotional response?
How can this new incident that just happened cause the character to look forward to what he can gain, rather than look back at what he could lose?
Both incidents before each pinch point can serve to remind the character of what he can lose but a character with a true growth arc – one who is evolving for the better, will look forward at this point instead of looking backwards a second time, to show or prove that this character is changing.
- Who is in the scene at pinch point #2?
- What is said or observed?
- What is the setting?
- How can this moment re-motivate your character to continue forward toward his goal?
- Are the consequences of failure even worse than before? Is there now even more at stake?
Step 5:
Now put it all together. Look over your manuscript as a whole and decide:
What is Pinch Point #1?
What is Pinch Point #2?
How is each pinch point similar, yet different?
We hope you have enjoyed Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point? and that you have gained some valuable insight to help you craft these emotion-filled scenes to strengthen the characters in your fictional story and keep them motivated to achieve their goals.
If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you!
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is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing coach. She writes sweet contemporary, inspirational, and historical romance and loves teaching aspiring writers how to write quality fiction. Read her inspiring story of how she published her first book and launched a successful writing career.