1.3 Rising action
7 min read•august 21, 2024
is the engine that propels a play forward, building tension and complexity after the inciting incident. It introduces conflicts, develops characters, and sets the stage for the climax, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the story's outcome.
Playwrights use various techniques to craft effective rising action, including pacing events, , and raising dramatic questions. These elements work together to create a compelling narrative arc that leads seamlessly into the climax and falling action.
Components of rising action
- Rising action consists of the events and conflicts that build tension and propel the story towards the climax after the inciting incident occurs
- Involves introducing and developing subplots, character arcs, and thematic elements that contribute to the overall narrative arc
Introducing the inciting incident
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- Inciting incident sparks the main conflict and sets the protagonist on their journey (unexpected event, new information, or a decision)
- Disrupts the status quo of the protagonist's world and forces them to take action
- In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", the inciting incident is when Hamlet encounters his father's ghost who reveals he was murdered by Hamlet's uncle Claudius
- In "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, the inciting incident is when the Younger family receives a $10,000 life insurance check
Escalating conflicts
- Progressive increase in the intensity and stakes of conflicts faced by the protagonist
- Conflicts can be external (between characters or against forces) or internal (within the protagonist's own mind)
- example: In "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, Oedipus faces escalating conflicts as he investigates the cause of the plague in Thebes, leading to the revelation of his own identity and fate
- example: In "Death of a Salesman" by , Willy Loman's internal conflicts escalate as he grapples with his failing career, strained family relationships, and his own sense of inadequacy
Complications for protagonists
- Obstacles, setbacks, and unexpected twists that make the protagonist's journey more difficult and heighten the tension
- Complications reveal character flaws, test the protagonist's resolve, and raise the stakes
- In "Macbeth" by Shakespeare, complications arise as Macbeth's guilt and paranoia grow after murdering Duncan, leading him to commit more crimes to maintain his power
- In "A Streetcar Named Desire" by , complications for Blanche DuBois include her past being exposed and her growing conflict with Stanley Kowalski
Challenges vs rewards
- Rising action presents the protagonist with challenges they must overcome to achieve their goal or desire
- Rewards or small victories along the way provide motivation and reveal growth, but are often balanced by new challenges
- In "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller, John Proctor faces the challenge of exposing the truth about the witch trials while trying to protect his reputation and family
- In "Fences" by August Wilson, Troy Maxson's challenges include providing for his family, navigating changing social dynamics, and confronting his own past failures, while rewards include his promotion at work and his son's football success
Techniques for effective rising action
- Effective rising action keeps the audience engaged, builds anticipation for the climax, and develops characters and themes
- Playwrights employ various techniques to create compelling rising action that drives the story forward
Pacing of events
- Balancing the speed and intensity of events to maintain audience interest and build tension gradually
- Varying the rhythm of scenes, with moments of high drama or action punctuated by quieter, more introspective moments
- In "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare, the pacing accelerates from the initial meeting of the lovers to their secret marriage, and the growing conflict between the Montagues and Capulets
- In "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett, the pacing is deliberately slow and repetitive, reflecting the characters' sense of stagnation and the theme of existential uncertainty
Foreshadowing of climax
- Planting subtle hints or clues that suggest the eventual climax or resolution of the story
- Foreshadowing creates anticipation, adds depth to the narrative, and can make the climax feel more satisfying or inevitable
- In "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, the prophecy about Oedipus killing his father and marrying his mother foreshadows the eventual revelation of his true identity
- In "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen, Nora's secret borrowing and Krogstad's blackmail foreshadow the eventual confrontation with her husband and her decision to leave
Character development during conflicts
- Using conflicts and challenges to reveal and develop characters' personalities, motivations, and relationships
- Showing how characters change or grow as a result of the rising action, setting up their arcs for the rest of the story
- In "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, the rising action reveals the complex dynamics between Amanda, Tom, and Laura, and shows Tom's growing frustration with his family responsibilities
- In "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, the conflicts surrounding the use of the insurance money and the move to a new neighborhood develop the characters of Walter, Beneatha, and Mama
Raising dramatic questions
- Introducing questions or uncertainties that pique the audience's curiosity and keep them invested in the story
- Dramatic questions can relate to character choices, plot outcomes, or thematic issues, and are gradually answered as the story progresses
- In "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, the rising action raises questions about whether Hamlet will avenge his father's death, how he will do it, and what the consequences will be
- In "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner, the rising action raises questions about how the characters will cope with the AIDS crisis, their relationships, and their personal and political struggles
Rising action in story structure
- Rising action is a crucial part of the traditional dramatic structure, also known as Freytag's Pyramid
- It follows the exposition and leads to the climax, setting up the falling action and resolution
Placement after exposition
- Exposition introduces the characters, setting, and initial situation of the play
- Rising action begins after the exposition, when the inciting incident occurs and the main conflict is introduced
- In "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, the exposition establishes Willy Loman's family life and career troubles, and the rising action begins when Willy is fired from his job
- In "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, the exposition introduces Jack and Algernon's double lives, and the rising action begins when Algernon discovers Jack's secret and decides to visit his country estate
Transition to climax
- Rising action builds tension and conflict until it reaches a peak, leading to the climax of the story
- The transition from rising action to climax is often marked by a turning point or moment of no return for the protagonist
- In "Macbeth" by Shakespeare, the rising action transitions to the climax when Macduff discovers Duncan's murder and vows to avenge him, setting up the final confrontation with Macbeth
- In "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, the rising action transitions to the climax when Stanley confronts Blanche about her past and assaults her, leading to her mental breakdown and institutionalization
Relationship to falling action
- Falling action follows the climax and shows the consequences or aftermath of the main conflict's resolution
- Rising action sets up the stakes and tensions that are resolved in the falling action
- In "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, the falling action shows Oedipus's reaction to the revelation of his identity and his decision to blind and exile himself
- In "Fences" by August Wilson, the falling action shows the family coping with Troy's death and reconciling their relationships
Proportion of rising action
- The proportion of rising action in a play can vary depending on the story's structure and the playwright's intentions
- In some plays, the rising action may take up a significant portion of the story, while in others it may be relatively brief
- In "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett, the rising action is minimal and the play focuses more on the characters' stasis and repetitive routines
- In "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare, the rising action takes up a large portion of the play, from the lovers' meeting to their secret marriage and the growing conflict between their families
Examples of rising action
- Studying examples of rising action in various plays can help playwrights understand how to effectively build tension and develop characters and themes
- Examples can be drawn from different eras, genres, and styles of theater
In classic plays
- "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles: Rising action includes Oedipus's search for Laius's killer, the revelations about his own identity, and his growing conflict with Creon and Jocasta
- "Hamlet" by Shakespeare: Rising action includes Hamlet's encounters with his father's ghost, his feigned madness, his staging of the play to catch Claudius, and his accidental killing of Polonius
In modern theater
- "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller: Rising action includes Willy's increasing desperation, his conflicts with his sons, and his attempts to secure a job and maintain his delusions
- "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry: Rising action includes the family's debates over the use of the insurance money, Walter's investment in the liquor store, and the challenges of moving to a predominantly white neighborhood
Across different genres
- "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller (historical drama): Rising action includes the accusations of witchcraft, John Proctor's attempts to expose the truth, and the growing hysteria in Salem
- "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams (memory play): Rising action includes Tom's growing restlessness, Amanda's attempts to find a suitor for Laura, and the visit of the gentleman caller
Famous rising action scenes
- "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare: The balcony scene, where Romeo and Juliet declare their love and plan to marry despite their families' feud
- "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams: The poker night scene, where Stanley's animosity towards Blanche escalates and he confronts her about her past
- "Fences" by August Wilson: The scene where Troy refuses to allow his son Cory to pursue a football scholarship, revealing the depths of their conflict and Troy's own past disappointments
Key Terms to Review (19)
Act Structure: Act structure refers to the framework that organizes a play into distinct segments, typically divided into acts and scenes, to create a cohesive narrative flow. Each act serves a specific purpose in advancing the plot, developing characters, and building tension, which includes components like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Understanding act structure is essential for playwrights as it allows them to effectively manage pacing and emotional impact throughout the story.
Arthur Miller: Arthur Miller was a prominent American playwright known for his works that explore themes of morality, social justice, and the human condition. His plays often address the struggles of individuals against societal pressures and moral dilemmas, making him a significant figure in the landscape of American theater.
Beat: A beat is the smallest unit of action in a play, representing a moment where something changes or shifts in a scene. This change can be emotional, physical, or verbal, and it helps build tension and develop the narrative. Understanding beats is essential for crafting dynamic scenes, as they guide pacing and momentum while influencing dialogue and character interactions.
Character development: Character development is the process of creating a believable and engaging character who evolves throughout a narrative, showcasing their personality, motivations, and growth. This development is crucial for driving the story forward and engaging the audience, as it helps to establish emotional connections and stakes that resonate with viewers.
Cliffhanger: A cliffhanger is a dramatic and suspenseful moment at the end of a scene or act that leaves the audience wanting to know what happens next. It serves to create tension and anticipation, often leading to heightened emotional engagement as the audience eagerly awaits the resolution. This technique is commonly used to maintain momentum, sustain interest, and manage pacing throughout a narrative, making it an essential tool in storytelling.
Conflict escalation: Conflict escalation refers to the process by which a disagreement or dispute grows in intensity, leading to heightened tensions, more extreme positions, and often increased emotional stakes. This phenomenon is critical in storytelling, as it drives characters' motivations and actions while affecting the overall narrative structure, including rising action, the role of antagonists, interpersonal dynamics, and even self-editing techniques during revision.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation or a character's intentions than the characters themselves do. This gap in knowledge creates tension and engagement, as viewers anticipate how characters will react when they discover the truth. It plays a crucial role in developing narrative elements, enhancing emotional responses, and deepening themes throughout the story.
Dramatic Tension: Dramatic tension is the emotional and psychological force that keeps an audience engaged in a story, creating suspense and anticipation about what will happen next. This tension arises from conflicts, stakes, and the characters’ desires, compelling the audience to invest in the outcome of the narrative. It intertwines with elements such as character motivations and interpersonal conflicts, influencing how the story unfolds from exposition through rising action to climax.
Emotional investment: Emotional investment refers to the level of emotional commitment and connection a viewer or reader feels towards the characters and events in a story. This concept is essential in storytelling as it influences how engaged an audience becomes with the narrative. The deeper the emotional investment, the more impactful the rising action, falling action, and suspense become, as audiences are driven to care about the outcomes of the characters they have connected with.
External conflict: External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or a supernatural entity. This type of conflict is crucial for driving the plot and creating tension, as it propels characters into action and decision-making. It often serves as a catalyst for significant events and character development throughout the narrative.
Flashback: A flashback is a narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to recount events from the past. This device allows writers to provide context, deepen character development, and reveal important backstory, enhancing the audience's understanding of the present circumstances and emotional stakes involved.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. It creates anticipation and prepares the audience for future events, which can enhance the emotional impact of the narrative and connect various plot points seamlessly.
Internal Conflict: Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often arising from opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This struggle can drive a character's actions and decisions, creating depth in the narrative as they navigate their conflicting feelings and thoughts.
Raising the stakes: Raising the stakes refers to increasing the level of conflict, tension, or importance within a narrative, making the outcome more crucial for the characters involved. This technique intensifies the drama and engages the audience by highlighting what characters stand to gain or lose as situations escalate. It’s essential for maintaining interest and driving the plot forward, especially during moments of rising action.
Rising action: Rising action is the series of events that create suspense and tension in a narrative, building up to the climax. This part of the story introduces conflicts and complications that propel the characters towards critical decisions, while deepening audience engagement and emotional investment. It paves the way for the climax by escalating stakes and challenges, ensuring that conflicts—both external and interpersonal—are carefully developed and intertwined.
Scene transition: Scene transition refers to the moment in a play when the action shifts from one scene to another, effectively changing the setting, time, or mood. This movement is crucial as it allows the audience to adjust to new circumstances and keeps the narrative flowing, making it a vital part of storytelling. Smooth scene transitions can enhance pacing and maintain engagement, while poorly executed transitions can disrupt the flow and confuse the audience.
Suspense: Suspense is a crucial element in storytelling that keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats, creating anticipation for what will happen next. It arises from uncertainty or tension in the plot, encouraging viewers to ponder the outcomes of character actions and conflicts. Effective use of suspense can enhance rising action, deepen emotional investment, and ultimately shape the resolution of a narrative.
Tempo: Tempo refers to the speed or pace at which a play unfolds, influencing the audience's emotional experience and engagement. It plays a crucial role in shaping the rhythm of scenes, guiding the intensity of moments, and establishing the overall flow of the narrative. A well-managed tempo can enhance tension, build excitement during climaxes, and provide moments of reflection through slower passages.
Tennessee Williams: Tennessee Williams was an influential American playwright known for his powerful and emotional storytelling, exploring complex characters and themes related to human experiences. His works often delve into the struggles of individuals grappling with internal conflicts and societal pressures, making significant contributions to the landscape of modern theater.