7 Plot Points: A Mini-Test

Hiking and exploring might be considered adventuring (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

         This is a difficult one to write since there are two different tracks for two different types of stories: the joyful adventurer and the reluctant adventurer.
        Both have committed to an adventure a new world. Yes, even if they don't physically go anywhere, the rules and expectations have changed. Typically the change is dramatic and easily discerned by the reader. And the “new” world of the adventure is one of the features that can make your story shine.
         But that's not in this structure article. And here I was getting all excited... drat.
         A mini-test takes place a quarter of the way through the middle section of your book (half-way through the early middle). This test can be the result of a mini-quest or a single event. But the outcome is very different for your two different types of adventurers.
         The joyful adventurer is having a great time in the early middle of your book. This type character usually aces the mini-test. The victory often is the result of a newly discovered skill, power, or understanding.
        The reluctant adventurer who is dragged kicking and screaming into the adventure (but has nonetheless committed to it) is still reluctant. This character usually fails the mini-test. The failure is often the result of a reluctance to face a problem head on (either the surface problem or an underlying issue), fear, or refusal to commit to the adventure.
          The “joyful adventurer” and “reluctant adventurer” can be seen as two ends of a spectrum. The further your character falls on the spectrum, the more extreme the character's outcome.
        When designing your min-test, don't forget that it is a major stepping stone to the Mid-Point of your middle.