Dark Night of the Soul
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
The lowest point before the climax of a story. The protagonist loses all hope, not only failing in external plans but also collapsing internally. Only after experiencing this moment can the subsequent comeback have emotional impact.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Refuse smooth sailing. Don't let the protagonist keep winning. He must lose to the point of wanting to die, to the point of having to abandon old values, so that rebirth (Epiphany) can occur.
Anchor fast decisions
An image from mystical literature (St. John of the Cross), referring to a prolonged trough where faith/sense of meaning temporarily becomes barren and inner light recedes; often a necessary pain before deep transformation, not mere depression.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Night_of_the_Soulverified
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