Dramatic Structure

Question 1

exposition

Answer 1

the part of a play (usually at the beginning) that provides the background information needed to understand the characters and the actions

Question 2

conflict

Answer 2

a clash of actions, desires, ideas, or goals in the plot of a story or drama
may exist between the main character and other person(s), the main character and some external force- physical nature, society, or fate, the main character and some destructive element in his/her own nature- internal conflict

Question 3

rising action

Answer 3

the development of plot in a story that precedes and leads up to the climax

Question 4

climax

Answer 4

the turning/high point of a plot

Question 5

falling action

Answer 5

immediately follows the climax and shows the aftereffects of the events in the climax

Question 6

denouement

Answer 6

(resolution)
conclusion of the story
Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a sense of catharsis for them and the reader. Sometimes a hint as to the characters’ future is given.