The Quiet Climax
Good writing need not be bombastic action
When writing a book’s climax, a lot of advice out there centers on making it explosive, “twisty,” or earth-shattering for the reader. That’s great for a thriller or epic fantasy, but not all genres should conform to this advice. It’s often more powerful to have a “quiet” climax.
A quiet climax is a turning point in the story that is subtle, introspective, and emotionally charged, rather than relying on external conflict or action.
I re-watched Rainman recently and was left a sobbing mess. The last time I saw it, I was quite young, and I don’t think I fully understood what I was watching. I understood the frustration Charlie (Tom Cruise) felt with his newly-discovered autistic brother, Raymond (Duston Hoffman). I understood how their time together changed him and how he came to love his brother.
But I didn’t really absorb the enormous impact of the ending scene. Raymond has stayed at the same care facility nearly all his life. But after their time together, Charlie wants Raymond to live w…