1) "The Chemical Equation"-- Introduction of the primary point-of-view character that shows what's

missing in that person's life -- what the main interior conflict is for that character, as well as what the
main exterior conflict will be. The secondary lead, the love interest, may also be introduced separately in
this step or later in the story. That character's introduction should at least hint at why this person may be
the one who can fulfill the need in the main character's life and show why the main character really should
meet this person.
2) The Cute Meet or Catalyst -- the incident that brings them together and sets up the conflict between them.
Their meeting should set the tone for their relationship. It needs to have some link to the theme of the story. 3) A
Sexy Complication -- a development that raises the stakes, defines the main character's goal, puts the main
characters in conflict or puts their emotions in conflict with the external goal. In a story where there's not a lot of
romantic conflict between the characters, this will be an external problem that could keep them apart. If there's no
external problem to keep them apart, it will be an internal issue that keeps them from really connecting. 4) The
Hook -- the big midpoint scene that really binds the couple and has implications for how their relationship will
work out. From this point, there's no way out, and they're in it together. This should also repeat or reflect the
story's main theme in some way. 5) Swivel -- a turning point that makes the stakes higher than ever, so that the
relationship jeopardizes the main character's goal, or vice versa, leading to a changed goal. The main character is
forced to choose between love and the goal. 6) Dark Moment -- the aftermath of the consequences of the swivel
scene. The characters have to reveal private motivations, and it seems that either the love or the goal is lost
forever. The main character is at his/her most vulnerable point. 7) Joyful Defeat -- reconciliation between the
characters that reaffirms how important the relationship is to them, usually (but not always) with a happy ending
that implies marriage -- but usually at the cost of something the main character has had to sacrifice.