Dark forces are gathering. The odds are stacked against our heroes and the situation is grim. Backs are pressed against the wall and the barricades won’t hold any longer.
It is the moment of truth, action, and the most truly inspirational moments in a story.
This is the moment when we cheer our heroes, when we feel the rising fire from deep in our stomachs threatening to scream out of our throats. Inspirational moments, when the hero rises to the challenge, delivers a rousing speech, or realises he has the strength he needs to succeed, are some of the most defining moments of fiction. Whether it’s the moment Luke Skywalker turns off his targeting computer, or Rocky Balboa gets back up for just one more round, it’s the swell of music, the gritted teeth, and the moving words that bring us back from the brink of despair.
As writers, this is our most glorious moment, when we’ve trapped the reader’s attention and pull off the big finish. As the audience, it’s our reward for suffering alongside the hero all this time.
These are the moments when children become brave and the monsters cower back under the bed.
And if you ever need a bit of a kick, here’s something I like to watch every now and again for a boost.