Everything you need to know about writing the all is lost section of your novel

Understanding how to execute your novel's "all is lost" section can be a difficult challenge. Still, this stage of the narrative is fundamental to the character's growth and the evolution of the story. This is in Act 2 and typically takes up about 8% of your novel's word count.

The worst possible scenario

In this stage of your novel, your protagonist confronts their antagonist and fails. This failure must be profound and impactful, signalling the worst possible thing happening to your protagonist. This is not a mere stumble; this should feel like a colossal defeat that shakes them to their core.

Crushing the protagonist's spirit

After such a significant loss, you should aim to completely crush your protagonist's spirit. This involves taking away any remaining hope of ever attaining their external goal. From losing their allies to their resources, you must strip them of the things they hold dear. You want to leave them feeling helpless and defeated, their aspirations seemingly out of reach.

Adding insult to injury

If that isn't enough, this is the time to add insult to injury. Kick your characters while they're down, and make sure your readers feel the depth of your protagonist's despair. This might involve deepening their internal conflict, losing a loved one, or having them confront their worst fears. The goal is to have your protagonist at their lowest point, faced with their greatest challenges.

Regrouping and assessing the damage

With the protagonist thoroughly defeated, this is the time for the characters to regroup. This process allows them to take stock of their situation and evaluate where this devastating loss leaves them regarding their external goals. This regrouping stage can be a breather for your readers, creating a brief pause before the tension escalates.

Reviewing character arcs

In the aftermath of this catastrophic failure, consider where this leaves each character in their character arc. It's a pivotal moment that often forces characters to question their motivations, relationships, and personal growth. Have they moved closer to their internal goal or further away? The answers to these questions can influence the story's direction moving forward.

Consequences for the sub-plot

Lastly, the outcome of the "all is lost" moment should have significant consequences for your sub-plot. Whether this involves revealing a hidden betrayal, escalating the stakes, or triggering a change in your characters' relationships, these ramifications should be integrated seamlessly into the story. Doing so will ensure that the "all is lost" moment is deeply ingrained in every part of your narrative.

The 'all is lost' section of your novel is vital to your protagonist's journey. By embracing this stage's potential, you can craft a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

💡 Read more about the universal flow of a story from set-up to finale.