Story Arc The 5 Element Model of Storytelling

Story Arc The 5 -Element Model of Storytelling

Story Arc The 5 -Element Story Arc has 5 main elements that the story focuses on: ➢ Conflict is another piece ➢Exposition ● Introduces the Setting, Main Character(s), Main Problem(s) ● (Who, What, When, Where) that we will talk about, but it is not an official element on the Story Arc. ➢Rising Action ● Characters struggle with their Problems ➢Climax ● Tensest moment of the story and often has the most action (but not always). Character(s)face a Crisis. ➢Falling Action

Exposition E ➢ Exposition is where everything the reader needs to know is “exposed ” ➢ The Main Character is revealed. ● Background information ● Profile - Age, looks, height, etc. ● Who are they? What sets them apart? ● If there is something unique about them, have it revealed here (think Harry Potter and his lightningshaped scar). ➢ The Setting is shown. ● Where does this story take place? *Remember the first 4 Journalism Questions: Who, What, When, Where!

Rising Action RA ➢ In the Rising Action , the Main Character begins to deal with Problem and is drawn into the story. ➢ Rising Action is when the story starts to pick up and the Main Character starts his/her journey. ➢ Creates suspense, interest and tension within the story. ➢ Decisions are made by characters, character flaws come into play, and backgrounds could come into play for the first time here.

Climax C ➢ “The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. ” ➢ Tensest moment of the story and often has the most action (but not always). Character(s)face a Crisis. ➢ Comes from the greek for ladder. ➢ Decisive moment or turning point at the point in the story. ➢ At this point in the story, emotions are often at their most heightened states. ➢ This is the point in which the rising action turns into the falling action. ➢ If there is a huge twist, or surprise, it is usually revealed here.

Falling Action FA ➢ Moves the story toward the ending. Characters are solving problem. ➢ Falling Action is the part of the story after the climax and before the very end. ➢ The main problem of the story is either resolved in this part, or well on the way to being resolved. ➢ Usually serves as a “cool-down period” after the tension in the climax. ➢ Begins to wrap up the narrative and tie up loose ends. ➢ Leads to closure of the story. ➢ Still has action, but much less suspense.

Resolution R ➢ “The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter. ” ➢ The resolution is the end of the story. ➢ There is a return to stability. It wraps up the story. ➢ Problem is resolved and loose ends are tied up. ➢ Sometimes just told at the end of the story, but sometimes told in an epilogue.

Conflict ➢ Conflict is NOT the same as the Main Problem , but it does work together with it. ➢ Many conflicts can occur in one story. ➢ Conflicts usually first occur sometime before the rising action , but after the exposition. ➢ While the Main Problem must be solved by the main character , the Main conflict is what works against the Main Character making his/her journey more difficult. ➢ Although conflict is NOT an official element of the story arc, it is important to recognize it.