Struggling with the middle of your novel? This article explores nine effective strategies to revitalize the saggy middle, including structural tips like adding a tent-pole event, escalating stakes, and incorporating subplots, as well as character-driven techniques such as confronting fears, sabotaging strengths, and developing desires. These approaches help maintain momentum and deepen reader engagement throughout your story.

Writing the middle of a novel can be challenging. Many writers find themselves stuck, unsure of what to write next or feeling lost in the story’s progression. This struggle often stems from structural issues or character development problems. To help you overcome these hurdles, here are nine comprehensive strategies—five focused on structure and four on character—that will breathe new life into your novel’s middle and keep your readers hooked.

Structural Strategies to Strengthen Your Novel’s Middle

1. Prop it up with a Tent Pole

Most writers reserve all climactic moments for the end of the novel, but introducing a climactic event right in the middle—a "tent pole" or protolimax—can divide the middle into two manageable sections. This tent pole serves as a significant turning point, a point of no return for your character, and a satisfying surprise for readers that propels them toward the ultimate climax.

Example: In Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, the middle features a shocking POV shift revealing Amy is alive and has plotted to frame her husband. This twist energizes the story and deepens reader investment.

2. Juice the Story by Escalating Stakes and Reversals

Avoid keeping the stakes static throughout your novel. Instead, escalate them by making situations more dire and personal as the story progresses.

Example: In the film Orange County, the protagonist initially worries about getting into Stanford, but the stakes escalate dramatically when he accidentally sets the admissions building on fire, risking jail time and relationship fallout.

Additionally, introduce reversals—such as a character switching allegiance or a betrayal by a trusted ally—to shake up the narrative and provide fresh story fuel.

3. Throw in a Digression

A digression is a seemingly disconnected story chunk that metaphorically or thematically relates to your main plot. It can offer your protagonist new insights or thematic depth, providing a fresh angle to approach the story.

Example: In Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, a lengthy chapter about a WWII soldier’s harrowing experience serves as a metaphor for the protagonist’s own struggles, enriching the novel’s themes.

4. Ditch Oversimplistic Structures

Relying solely on basic three-act structures can cause writers to run out of steam in the middle. Novels often require more complex structures, akin to television series, with multiple escalating setbacks and a clear direction toward the ending.

Consider using a seven-point story structure or detailed beat sheets like those in Save the Cat to maintain momentum.

5. Don’t Forget About Subplots

Subplots provide breathing room and expand your novel’s scope. They can run parallel to the main plot, adding depth and variety.

Example: Breaking Bad features Walter White’s transformation as the main plot, but Jesse Pinkman’s personal struggles and Hank Schrader’s pursuit of Walt serve as compelling subplots that enrich the story.

Character-Driven Strategies to Revitalize Your Novel’s Middle

6. Make Your Protagonist Face Their Main Fear

Set up a powerful fear or aversion for your protagonist early on, then force them to confront it in the middle. This confrontation creates tension and character growth.

Example: In Jaws, Chief Brody’s fear of water is central to the story, and the middle forces him to face this fear head-on as he hunts the shark.

7. Deliberately Sabotage Your Protagonist’s Strengths

If your protagonist has succeeded using certain strengths, take those away in the middle. This forces them to adapt creatively and opens new storytelling avenues.

Example: In Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker begins losing his powers, compelling him to confront self-doubt and find new ways to overcome obstacles.

For non-superhero stories, this could mean pushing an analytical character into emotional turmoil or rendering a physically strong character helpless through circumstance.

8. Have Your Protagonist Question or Change Their Desire

Characters often start with a clear goal, but changing or complicating that desire mid-story adds depth and drives the narrative forward.

Example: In The Godfather, Michael Corleone initially desires a normal life but shifts to expanding his family’s empire after an assassination attempt on his father.

Similarly, in Minority Report, Tom Cruise’s character shifts from wanting to prevent murders to clearing his name and ultimately dismantling the flawed system.

9. Add Backstory at the Right Moment

Backstory can be tricky if introduced too early, but the middle of your novel is often the perfect place to explore it. Use backstory to explain character decisions or deepen reader understanding.

Example: Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex delves into family history midway, illuminating the protagonist’s identity and motivations.

Be cautious not to let backstory overshadow the present narrative or drag on unnecessarily. Only include it if it propels the story forward.

Conclusion

The middle of your novel doesn’t have to be a slog. By incorporating these nine strategies—balancing structural techniques with rich character development, you can transform your saggy middle into an interesting, dynamic section that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Whether it’s adding a tent pole event, escalating stakes, introducing subplots, or challenging your protagonist’s fears and desires, these approaches provide a roadmap to a thriving middle and a stronger overall story.

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