Conflict: Struggle(s) between the characters and opposing forces.
Internal Conflict
•An internal struggle between a character and him/herself
•Emotional/Choices/Guilt
•Character vs. Self
Example: Rainsford’s will to live and his beliefs on the morality of killing humans.
External Conflict
•An outside struggle between a character and an opposing force.
•Another character, society, God/gods, supernatural, fate
•Character vs. character
•Character vs. nature
•Character vs. Society
•Character vs. God (gods)
•Character vs. Fate
•Character vs. supernatural
Example: Zaroff and Rainsford
Suspense is the anxiety or dread you feel about what will happen next in a story.
Introduction
Initiating Incident
Plot Structure
Most stories follow a similar plot structure that includes the following elements.
Introduction
- Establishes setting and atmosphere
- Introduces important characters
Initiating Incident
- This is the first incident that will generate much of the conflict in the story
- It does not have to be a large or obviously important event, but its effects will help shape the rest of the story.
- This incident marks the beginning of a rise in conflict and action.
- After the initiating incident, a series of other events propels the story and conflict builds.
- The rising action is marked by this series of events and conflict.
- Rising action keeps the audience interested and moves the story towards the climax.
- The climax occurs when the action is at its highest point.
- This is the most exciting part of the story.
- The denouement comes immediately after the climax.
- It is the brief period during which outstanding conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied.
- The denouement answers questions that may remain after the climax