Everything you need to know about writing the bad guys close in section of your novel
In every gripping narrative, there is a period of escalating tension when the odds stack up against our heroes. In the language of story structure, this is known as the "bad guys close in" phase. Covering about 17% of your total word count, this section in Act 2 can ratchet up the suspense and make your readers' hearts pound with anticipation.
The second plot point arrives
Introduce your second plot point as the "bad guys close in" section kicks off. This event should be significantly more substantial than the rising action event at the start of Act 2. This new challenge propels your protagonist towards the second major confrontation, shifting the trajectory of their journey.
Doubt sets in
The second plot point should unsettle your protagonist. Their certainty about achieving their external goal begins to falter. As this doubt creeps in, consider how it influences their relationships and actions. A once confident and unflappable protagonist may now be second-guessing their decisions, adding a new layer of complexity to their character.
A moment of intervention
Your protagonist may need a realization or intervention to restore their conviction. This could be a small victory that rekindles their hope or a motivating pep talk from an ally. Such a moment can be a turning point, reinvigorating your protagonist's resolve to confront the antagonists.
Time for a new plan
In response to these new challenges, your protagonist should feel the need to devise a new plan or approach. The familiar strategies that once seemed so reliable may no longer be sufficient, reflecting the growing intensity of their situation.
Assessing the character arc
This section also provides an opportunity to gauge your protagonist's progress on their overall character arc. How close are they to their internal goal? Are they progressing, or are they stalled? This assessment can help you ensure that your protagonist's internal growth keeps pace with the external plot developments.
The second battle
Things begin to go awry as your protagonist and their allies engage with the antagonist. Your plan may not unfold as expected, leading to a series of missteps and setbacks. During the second battle, take some time to provide insight into your antagonist's character arc. Simultaneously, keep your subplot alive and engaging.
Exploring side characters
While your protagonist grapples with the escalating conflict, this is also an opportunity to develop your side characters. Let them show their mettle and steal the spotlight for a moment. These instances add depth to your secondary characters and contribute to the richness of your narrative tapestry.
Emerging from the chaos
Despite the mounting challenges and the things that go seriously wrong, your protagonist manages to weather the storm. Even if they are bruised and battered, their spirit remains intact, setting the stage for the subsequent trials.
Navigating the rising tides
Writing your novel's "bad guys close in" section is about heightening the stakes and challenging your protagonist. Through thoughtful crafting of this section, you can build suspense, deepen your characters, and engage your readers like never before.
💡 Read more about the universal flow of a story from set-up to finale.
