HAIRPIN PATTERNS: SLIDE-BUMP-SLIDE

A Hairpin pattern is created when the transition between act 1 and 2 is a SLIDE, the transition between act 2 and 3 is a BUMP, and the transition between act 3 and 4 is a SLIDE. Here are some examples of the Hairpin pattern in various orientations:

Example Hairpin Pattern Act Transitions: SLIDE–BUMP–SLIDE

The four-act, hairpin pattern structure most closely matches the typical rise and fall story pattern. The first half of the story moves along somewhat smoothly, then there is a noticeable change in the story flow (what we refer to as a "hiccup") and the story goes on in a completely different direction.

Slide	Bump	Slide
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