Falling Action The series of events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution, where tension diminishes, loose ends are tied up, and the story moves towards its conclusion.
Learn more
Related terms A disappointing or underwhelming resolution to a sequence of events or a storyline that builds anticipation for a significant outcome.
Learn more
A principle in storytelling where every element introduced in a narrative must be necessary and serve a purpose.
Learn more
The dramatic turning point of the story when the conflict is resolved and the main character reaches their goal.
Learn more
Dan Harmon's Story Circle
A narrative structure consisting of eight stages that outlines the journey of a character, including aspects such as a comfort zone, a call to adventure, challenges, and a return with newfound wisdom, serving as a framework for crafting compelling stories.
Learn more
A foundational concept or guideline that informs the structure, themes, and development of the narrative, guiding the creation of a cohesive and impactful storytelling experience.
Learn more
A central question or uncertainty posed by a narrative that drives the audience's engagement and anticipation for its resolution.
Learn more
A plot device whereby an improbable or unexpected event or character intervention resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict.
Learn more
A concluding section of a literary work that provides closure, reflects on the events or characters' futures beyond the main narrative, or offers final insights or resolutions.
Learn more
A narrative device used to provide essential background information, context, or setting details necessary for understanding the plot, characters, or themes of a story.
Learn more
A narrative structure that charts rising tension and conflict, culminating in a climax followed by a rapid resolution or denouement.
Learn more
A narrative device used to depict a scene or event from the past to provide context, reveal character motivations, or enhance the plot.
Learn more
A technique where subtle hints, clues, or indications are given early in a narrative, hinting at future events, developments, or outcomes to create suspense and anticipation.
Learn more
A dramatic structure in storytelling, consisting of five stagesâexposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolutionâdepicting the progression of a narrative's plot from its introduction to its resolution, often used to analyze and structure dramatic narratives.
Learn more
A narrative archetype describing the common stages and motifs of a hero's adventure, serving as a template for many myths, legends, and stories across cultures.
Learn more
The event or circumstance that sets the main plot of a story in motion, disrupting the protagonist's ordinary life and prompting them to embark on a journey or face a conflict.
Learn more
A narrative device, often an object or goal, that drives the plot forward by motivating characters' actions but may hold little intrinsic value or relevance to the story itself.
Learn more
The central point of a story where significant revelations, reversals, or developments occur, altering the trajectory of the plot and characters, often dividing the narrative into two distinct halves.
Learn more
Narratives that do not follow a chronological sequence of events, instead presenting events out of order or through various perspectives.
Learn more
The trajectory or path that the plot of a story follows, including its various twists, turns, and developments.
Learn more
An introductory section of a story that precedes the main narrative, providing background information, setting the stage, or offering context to the story that follows.
Learn more
A misleading clue, event, or character introduced to divert attention away from the true solution or direction of the plot, often used to create suspense or mislead the audience.
Learn more
The concluding part of a narrative where conflicts are resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the story reaches its final outcome.
Learn more
The series of events and conflicts that intensify the narrative tension, leading towards the climax and propelling the plot forward.
Learn more
A unit of narrative that takes place in a specific time and location, often involving characters engaging in dialogue or action to advance the plot.
Learn more
A figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as" to highlight their similarities and create vivid imagery.
Learn more
