How to Structure Sequence 5 in a Story

If you’ve been following the 8-Sequence Series, we’re now at Sequence 5.

By Sequence 5, the protagonist’s original plan has started to unravel. They’ve crossed the midpoint, and now they’re forced to react to the consequences of earlier actions. Think of this sequence as the “messy middle,” when everything gets complicated.

Emotionally, this is often where frustration, helplessness, or panic rise to the surface. The protagonist lashes out, loses something they care about, or realizes they were wrong about something important.

In your story, build scenes that show your character trying to keep it together, but failing. Each try should cost them something emotionally.

Show us their fears and flaws in action.

Act Two: Sequence 5

Emotional Focus: The reader should feel the character’s growing desperation. They should sense the anxiety. Things are starting to spiral out of control. Doubts grow. Stakes rise.

End this sequence with a new direction or discovery, but one that’s more desperate than hopeful. But don’t just make your character feel desperate, make your reader feel that desperation too.

Happy Writing!

~ M.C. Convery