What Is an Example of a Plot Point in a Story?
First, What Even Is a Plot Point?
A plot point is one of those key moments in a story where something shifts. It's not just a random event—it’s a turning point that changes the direction of the narrative, pushes the protagonist forward (or backward), and forces a reaction. Think of it like a fork in the road. The story can’t go back after this.
A plot point isn’t just something that happens. It's something that matters.
A Classic Plot Point Example: Harry Potter Learns He’s a Wizard
Yep, we’re going there.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the moment Hagrid tells Harry: “You’re a wizard, Harry,” is a textbook plot point. Why?
It changes Harry’s understanding of who he is.
It introduces the main conflict (magic vs. Muggle world, Voldemort, all that jazz).
It launches him into a new world he can’t just walk away from.
That’s the magic (pun intended) of a good plot point. It kicks the story into gear and raises the stakes.
Different Types of Plot Points
Inciting Incident
This is the first major plot point, usually early in Act I. It disrupts the protagonist’s normal world. For Harry, it’s getting the Hogwarts letter (even before Hagrid shows up).
Other examples:
Katniss volunteering as tribute in The Hunger Games
Nemo getting captured in Finding Nemo
It’s the "no going back" moment.
Midpoint Twist
Right in the middle of the story, there's often a major reveal, reversal, or escalation. Sometimes everything the hero thought they knew turns out to be wrong.
In The Matrix, it's when Neo finally believes and starts bending the rules of the Matrix.
This kind of plot point injects new energy and changes the context of everything that came before.
Climax (or pre-climax plot point)
This is the big one. The hero makes a choice, takes a stand, faces their fear, or just unleashes hell. It’s usually the most emotionally intense moment of the story.
Like when Frodo decides to destroy the ring (after major inner conflict), or when Simba returns to Pride Rock in The Lion King to face Scar.
Real-Life Writing Example (Mine Was Kinda Dumb but Taught Me A Lot)
I once wrote a short story where the main plot point was... the main character losing their wallet. At first I thought, "Okay, that’s the crisis." But it wasn’t. It was just an inconvenience. Nothing changed.
Later, I rewrote it so the wallet had something inside it that revealed a family secret. Boom. That made it a plot point. The character couldn't "un-know" what they found, and the story finally had juice.
Lesson: just because something happens doesn’t mean it’s a plot point.
How to Spot (or Write) a Strong Plot Point
Ask: Does this change the direction of the story?
Does the protagonist make a choice—or get forced into one?
Would the story be totally different if this moment didn’t happen?
Is it emotional, risky, or revealing?
If the answer’s yes, congrats. You’ve got yourself a plot point.
Final Thoughts: Plot Points Make the Story Move
Plot points aren’t filler. They’re fuel. Every strong story has them—whether it’s a Marvel blockbuster or a slow-burning indie drama. They shape the character arc, define the theme, and keep us glued to the page or screen.
So next time you’re reading (or writing), keep an eye out. When something really changes… that’s your plot point.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.