If you write romance or have hung around romance writers, you may have heard of the Grand Gesture, (arguably) the most important part of any romance story. We have all read or seen this moment in Act III, where one of the leads takes a huge action, puts everything on the line, and confesses (directly or indirectly) their love for the other person. Of course, in romance, this person then accepts and reciprocates (directly or indirectly) that confession. But the Grand Gesture isn’t limited to the romance genre. It’s actually not limited to a romantic relationship. Or even a positive relationship.

In reality, the Grand Gesture is an important beat for any story that has a predominant relationship plotline. Yes, it’s important in The Proposal, but it’s also important in The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Dune, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Umbrella Academy.

And you know what?

Most successful stories feature a relationship plotline as one of its dominating plotlines.

Which means, most successful stories have a Grand Gesture.

You just haven’t realized it yet.

So whether you are writing romance, fantasy, historical fiction, or a thriller, let’s dive into this critical story beat and what it’s really about, so you’ll better write your own.