Writing: The Climax Scene

A climax is the dramatic turning point in a narrative where the protagonist faces the opposing force, resolving the central conflict. The climax is not only a pivotal moment but also an emotional and narrative crescendo that shapes the final outcome of the story. While some climaxes require grand spectacle or action sequences, others can be just as powerful when written with deep emotional conflict and tension, as exemplified in Doctor Foster.

In today’s article, we will break down how to write an effective climax using Mike Bartlett’s Doctor Foster as a case study. The series revolves around Gemma Foster (Suranne Jones), a doctor who suspects her husband, Simon (Bertie Carvel), is having an affair. As she uncovers devastating secrets, Gemma is pushed to the edge, and the narrative reaches its boiling point.

Let’s explore how you can craft a memorable climax, using key principles from Doctor Foster.

1. Build to the Climax with Rising Tension

Before your climax, you need to establish rising tension. This means building your central conflict and the stakes involved, keeping the audience on edge. In Doctor Foster, the tension between Gemma and Simon escalates throughout the series. Gemma’s suspicions turn into revelations as she investigates her husband’s affair, and her emotional unraveling mirrors the increasing stakes.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

Ensure your protagonist faces mounting pressure throughout the narrative. Every new piece of information or action should make the conflict feel more urgent. In Gemma’s case, her life and sanity unravel as she digs deeper into Simon’s deception. This buildup is crucial for making the climax impactful.

2. Establish the Key Characters for the Climax

The climax is often a culmination of character arcs. You need to ensure that your protagonist and the opposing forces meet at this critical juncture. In Doctor Foster, the climax occurs during the infamous Dinner from Hell. The key characters in this scene—Gemma, Simon, Kate (the mistress), and Kate’s father—are all deeply enmeshed in the central conflict. Each character has a role to play, and their interactions during the climax reveal their emotional stakes.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

When writing your climax, ensure that the protagonist is surrounded by characters who are key to resolving the conflict. These characters should have contrasting goals or beliefs that create tension when they are forced to confront each other. Their motivations should be clear, and their presence should enhance the emotional stakes of the climax.

3. Set the Scene for Maximum Impact

The setting of the climax can influence the intensity of the scene. In Doctor Foster, the dinner setting is simple—a meal in a domestic space—but it is fraught with tension. It is an ordinary moment, yet it is charged with underlying conflict. The simple act of sitting down at the dinner table heightens the emotional stakes.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity. The key to a good climax is that it feels earned, not contrived. Choose a setting that makes sense for the conflict. A seemingly mundane setting—like a dinner table, a meeting, or a quiet moment—can create more suspense than a flashy action scene, depending on the circumstances.

4. Create Emotional Intensity

The climax is a time when emotions should boil over. In Doctor Foster, the dinner scene is full of emotional intensity as all characters confront each other. Gemma’s controlled, simmering anger contrasts with Simon’s guilt, Kate’s shame, and the chaotic reactions of the other characters. The scene is filled with emotional volatility, but the focus is on Gemma, who remains poised and composed.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

In your climax, let your characters express their emotions fully. They should have reached a breaking point. Tension between them should be palpable, and the stakes should feel irreversible. Allow these emotions to explode in ways that change the direction of the narrative. However, also consider the use of restraint—Gemma’s calm demeanor in the face of chaos highlights her transformation, and it makes her emotional victory even more powerful.

5. Ensure the Climax Resolves the Central Conflict

The climax should resolve the main conflict, or at least shift the narrative direction decisively. In Doctor Foster, the dinner scene is a critical turning point because it conclusively ends any hope of reconciliation between Gemma and Simon. All of Gemma’s suspicions are confirmed, and the consequences are laid bare. Kate’s pregnancy is revealed, and her father’s connection to Simon deepens the betrayal.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

The climax should resolve or decisively shift the protagonist’s conflict. Whether it’s a major confrontation, a revelation, or an irreversible decision, the climax should feel like the moment when everything changes. Ensure that the key emotional beats are hit—this is the moment your protagonist will either triumph or face the consequences of their actions.

6. Give the Protagonist a Moment of Victory or Defeat

A good climax often ends with a moment of victory or defeat that is deeply personal for the protagonist. In Doctor Foster, Gemma’s victory is emotional rather than physical. After the chaos of the dinner, she calmly walks out of the house, framed as the victor. Her emotional victory is not in the defeat of Simon, but in her final acceptance of her new reality. She walks away from the table of chaos, symbolising her newfound agency.

How to Apply This in Your Writing:

Consider how the climax will change your protagonist. What do they gain or lose in this moment? Is there a moment of triumph, resolution, or acceptance? This is the point when your character either achieves their goal or faces the fallout from their choices. A moment of stillness or calm after the storm can be just as powerful as any action sequence.

Conclusion

Writing a climax that doesn’t rely on grand stunts or explosions is entirely possible—and often, more effective. By focusing on emotional stakes, character dynamics, and a carefully crafted setting, you can write a climax that feels earned and impactful, even without the need for excessive action. Doctor Foster exemplifies how a simple yet highly charged dinner scene can resolve a complex web of conflict, making it one of the most memorable climaxes in modern television.

As a screenwriter, remember that your climax should be the culmination of all the emotional and narrative beats that came before. Build your tension, establish your characters’ motivations, and let the emotions of the scene drive the conflict to its resolution. With careful craft and attention to character-driven moments, your climax will leave a lasting impact on your audience.