Class: English Teacher: Mr.

Brammer Date: October 7, 2008

Cues Elements of a Play
Plot Plot
⋅ Exposition
⋅ Exposition is a technique by which
background information about the
characters, events, or setting is
conveyed in a novel, play, movie or
other work of fiction. This information
can be presented through dialogue,
description, flashbacks, or even
directly through narrative.
⋅ Inciting Incident
⋅ The inciting incident is the moment or plot point in a script that kicks
the story into motion. It occurs after the set up or exposition and
everything that follows the inciting incident should be a result of the
inciting incident. It is where a story really begins.
⋅ “For me the opening moments of a play are most important, in terms
of form. I might begin a play a hundred times until I get it absolutely
right. Because if I don't get you in those first few minutes, I've lost you.
I want to get you caught up as fast as possible. You hear something,
you see something, there's enough to drag your butt into that play…
Once I'm dead certain of the opening moments, the rest is a lot
simpler.” - Charles Fuller
⋅ Rising Action
⋅ In the narrative of a work of fiction, rising action is what occurs leading
up to the climax. The rising action's purpose is usually to build
suspense all the way up the climactic finish. The rising action should
not be confused with the middle of the story, but is the action right
before the climax.
⋅ Climax
⋅ A moment of great or culminating intensity in a narrative or drama,
especially the conclusion of a crisis. The turning point in a plot or
dramatic action.
⋅ Falling Action
Character
⋅ Falling action is the part of a story, usually found in tragedies and short
stories, following the climax and showing the effects of the climax. It
leads up to the denouement
⋅ Denouement
Theme ⋅ A dénouement consists of a series of events that follow the climax of a
drama or narrative, and thus serves as the conclusion of the story.
Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a
release of tension and anxiety, for the reader.
Language
Character
⋅ Protagonist: Main character
Rhythm ⋅ Antagonist: Person, situation, or inner conflict in opposition to the main
character’s goals.
⋅ Secondary Characters: All other characters other than protagonist and
antagonist.
Spectacle Theme
⋅ The theme is expressed through words and actions of the characters in a
series of situations that make up the plot. Each situation takes place in a
setting.
Language
⋅ Dramatic dialogue consists of two parts: narrative and dramatic. The
language should be of a greater quality then what is spoken every day. It
should be poetic.
Rhythm
 ⋅ The heart of the play. Plot, character, language, and spectacle all have
their individual rhythms in time. The combination of all these rhythms
creates the impelling force of the play leading to a final climax and
denouement. Rhythm creates mood.
Spectacle
⋅ Everything that is seen or heard on stage. Actors, sets, costumes, lights
and sound. All plays have spectacle - some emphasize spectacle more
than others.

Summary