Acts Flashcards
Act 1 Elements
HBT
- Hook
- Backstory
- Trigger
(i. e., Gun w/a trigger)
Act 1
What’s Backstory?
What happened to get us to this point
Act 1
What Makes a Good Hook?
- in medias res
- Choose the latest starting point possible
Act 1
Act 2 Elements
CSE
Crisis
Struggle
(C 'n S sum up Act 2)
As Struggle ratchets up:
Character and Plot Develop
"A" driving "P" reacting
Darkest before dawn
Epiphany
Act 2
How Does Epiphany Figure in the Story?
Epiphany comes at the end of the Act 2
Protagonist Realizes something internal
Others can also Realize things (internal or external)
Act 2
Crisis and Conflict (C ‘n C) as opposed to (C ‘n S)
Crisis is an attack on P’s tragic flaw
Crisis is triggered at end of Act 1
How Can Struggle Advance the Story?
Struggle is the road to Epiphany
It ratchets up the narrative by showing doors and closing them
Struggle need not be restricted to Antagonist
Struggle can be ≠ Antagonist’s minions (real & imaginary)
Act 2
Act 3 Elements
Plan
Climax
Ending
What Is Plan?
A Plan based on epiphany
Plan = Action = Plot may be simple or complicated
Note. Story has already ended with Act 2
No more change is coming
But there’s still the Climax
Then the Ending
Act 3
What makes an effective Climax?
An effective Climax = Protagonist realizes something internal
Act 3
What makes an effective Ending?
Satisfies the reader
Although inevitable it can be unpredictable
Act 3
Discuss at least 3 different kinds of Endings
Resolution Circular Reversal Bittersweet Open Cliff hanger Twist Revelatory Monologue
Act 3
S ‘n S Elements (A ‘n R)
Scene ‘n Sequel aka Action/Reaction = A ‘n R
The elements of A ‘n R
Action = Reaction =
Goal Emotion
Conflict Thought
Disaster Decision
Action = Goal of next scene
Basic Suspense Technique
Leave out the Sequel (R) at end of chapter
Technical device shunned by Hitchcock who always shows the reaction.
