Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a story where the conflicts are resolved, and the plot reaches a conclusion. It’s a crucial element that ties together all the threads of the narrative, providing closure for both the audience and the characters involved. A strong resolution can also reflect character growth and emotional arcs, making it a vital component in various storytelling structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In procedural dramas, resolution typically involves solving the case or crime that has been central to the episode's narrative arc.
2. The three-act structure often includes a resolution in Act Three, where character arcs conclude and questions raised during the story are answered.
3. Teasers often set up potential conflicts that need resolution by the end of the episode, making them crucial for engaging viewers.
4. A, B, and C storylines can have their resolutions intertwined; while the main A storyline reaches its conclusion, B and C storylines may add depth to the overall resolution.
5. In season-long arcs, resolutions can vary from character transformations to overarching plots being concluded or left open for future exploration.

Review Questions

• How does resolution function in procedural narratives compared to character-driven stories?
  • In procedural narratives, resolution typically revolves around solving a case or mystery, bringing closure to that specific plot. The audience expects a clear answer or conclusion by the end of each episode. In contrast, character-driven stories often focus on emotional resolutions where character growth and relationships evolve over time, sometimes leaving certain plot points unresolved to reflect real-life complexities.
• Discuss how resolution impacts character arcs within a three-act structure.
  • In a three-act structure, resolution plays a key role in demonstrating character development. As characters face their conflicts throughout the story, their growth culminates in a resolution that showcases how they have changed or what they have learned. This not only provides closure but also reinforces the themes of the narrative, allowing audiences to see how characters overcome obstacles or confront their flaws.
• Evaluate how resolutions in season-long arcs contribute to audience engagement and anticipation for future seasons.
  • Resolutions in season-long arcs can significantly affect audience engagement by providing satisfying conclusions to character journeys while leaving certain elements open for future exploration. When resolutions tie up critical plot points while introducing new questions or conflicts, they create anticipation for subsequent seasons. This balance keeps viewers invested in characters' futures and eager to see how unresolved issues will unfold, thus enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Related terms

Climax:

The climax is the peak of the story's conflict where tensions are at their highest, leading to the turning point before the resolution.

Denouement:

Denouement is the final part of a narrative where the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

Conflict: Conflict is the central struggle between opposing forces in a story, which drives the plot forward and leads to the eventual resolution.