1.5 Falling action
6 min read•august 21, 2024
is a crucial part of dramatic structure, occurring after the climax and before the . It bridges the peak of tension with the story's final outcome, tying up loose ends and transitioning to the resolution. Effective falling action maintains audience engagement while decreasing tension.
Crafting compelling falling action requires balancing pacing, , and plot progression. It should logically follow the climax, maintain consistency with the established plot, and set up a satisfying resolution. Common techniques include character revelations, unexpected twists, and the ultimate outcome.
Falling action in dramatic structure
- Falling action is a crucial component of the dramatic structure that occurs after the climax and before the resolution
- It serves to bridge the peak of dramatic tension with the final outcome of the story
- Understanding how to effectively craft the falling action is essential for playwrights to create engaging and satisfying narratives
Purpose of falling action
Tying up loose ends
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- Addresses any remaining questions or unresolved plot points that were introduced earlier in the story
- Provides closure for secondary characters or subplots that may not have been fully addressed during the climax
- Ensures that all elements of the story are properly concluded and do not leave the audience feeling unsatisfied
Transitioning to resolution
- Gradually eases the audience from the heightened emotions of the climax to the final resolution
- Prepares the audience for the ultimate outcome of the story by hinting at or foreshadowing the resolution
- Acts as a bridge between the climax and the resolution, allowing for a smooth and logical progression
Decreasing dramatic tension
- Slowly releases the tension that was built up during the rising action and climax
- Allows the audience to process the events of the climax and their implications for the characters
- Provides a sense of relief or catharsis after the intense emotions of the climax
Characteristics of effective falling action
Logical progression of events
- Events in the falling action should follow a clear and rational chain of cause and effect
- The actions and decisions of characters should be consistent with their established traits and motivations
- The falling action should feel like a natural continuation of the story rather than a forced or contrived sequence of events
Consistent with established plot
- The events of the falling action should align with the overall narrative arc and themes of the play
- Any new information or revelations introduced in the falling action should support and reinforce the central conflict and character development
- Inconsistencies or contradictions with earlier plot points should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the story
Maintaining audience engagement
- The falling action should keep the audience invested in the story and characters, even as the dramatic tension decreases
- Interesting character interactions, revelations, or unexpected developments can help sustain audience interest
- The promise of a satisfying resolution should be used to maintain audience engagement throughout the falling action
Pacing of falling action
Length vs climax
- The falling action is typically shorter in duration compared to the rising action and climax
- The length of the falling action should be proportional to the intensity and complexity of the climax
- A longer, more intense climax may require a more extended falling action to properly resolve
- A shorter, more straightforward climax may only need a brief falling action to tie up loose ends
Balancing resolution and suspense
- The falling action should strike a balance between providing a sense of resolution and maintaining a degree of suspense or uncertainty
- Revealing too much too quickly can make the falling action feel rushed and unsatisfying
- Withholding too much information can frustrate the audience and undermine the impact of the resolution
Avoiding rushed or drawn-out scenes
- Scenes in the falling action should be paced appropriately to maintain audience engagement and narrative momentum
- Rushed scenes can leave plot points or character arcs feeling unresolved or underdeveloped
- Drawn-out scenes can cause the story to lose steam and the audience to lose interest
- Each scene should serve a clear purpose in advancing the plot or character development towards the resolution
Relationship to other plot elements
Connection to climax
- The falling action is directly influenced by the events and outcome of the climax
- The consequences and implications of the should be explored and addressed in the falling action
- The falling action should demonstrate how the climax has changed the characters and their relationships
Set up for resolution
- The falling action lays the groundwork for the final resolution of the story
- It should provide the necessary information, character development, and thematic exploration to make the resolution feel earned and satisfying
- Hints or foreshadowing of the resolution can be introduced in the falling action to create anticipation and build towards the end
Contrast with rising action
- The falling action serves as a counterpoint to the rising action in terms of pacing and tension
- While the rising action builds towards the climax with increasing dramatic tension, the falling action gradually releases that tension
- The contrast between the two helps to create a sense of balance and structure in the overall narrative arc
Common techniques in falling action
Character revelations or transformations
- The falling action often features significant character revelations or transformations as a result of the climactic events
- Characters may gain new insights, confront hard truths, or undergo personal growth that alters their perspective or behavior
- These revelations and transformations help to provide closure and resolution for individual character arcs
Unexpected twists or complications
- While the overall tension decreases in the falling action, unexpected twists or complications can still be introduced to maintain audience interest
- These twists should not overshadow or undermine the resolution, but rather add depth or nuance to the story
- Minor obstacles or challenges can be presented to the characters as they work towards the final resolution
Foreshadowing of resolution
- The falling action can include hints or clues that point towards the ultimate resolution of the story
- Foreshadowing can be subtle, such as through dialogue, symbolism, or character actions
- Effective foreshadowing creates a sense of anticipation and satisfaction when the resolution is finally revealed
Challenges in writing falling action
Maintaining dramatic momentum
- One of the main challenges in writing falling action is maintaining a sense of dramatic momentum after the climax
- The decreased tension can sometimes lead to a loss of energy or interest in the story
- Playwrights must find ways to keep the audience engaged through compelling character interactions, revelations, or thematic exploration
Resolving subplots satisfactorily
- The falling action is often where subplots and secondary character arcs are resolved
- Ensuring that each subplot is given sufficient attention and resolution can be challenging, especially in plays with multiple complex storylines
- Playwrights must balance the resolution of subplots with the main narrative arc to create a cohesive and satisfying whole
Avoiding anticlimactic scenes
- Another challenge in writing falling action is avoiding scenes that feel anticlimactic or unnecessary
- After the intensity of the climax, scenes that lack purpose or dramatic weight can undermine the impact of the story
- Each scene in the falling action should contribute meaningfully to the resolution and maintain audience investment in the characters and their journeys
Examples of effective falling action
In classic plays
- In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the falling action includes the tragic consequences of the lovers' deaths, the reconciliation of the feuding families, and the Prince's final speech
- In Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," the falling action reveals the true identity of Oedipus and the devastating impact of his actions on himself and his family
In contemporary plays
- In August Wilson's "Fences," the falling action explores the aftermath of Troy's affair and its impact on his relationships with his wife and son
- In Tony Kushner's "Angels in America," the falling action follows the characters as they come to terms with their identities, relationships, and the changing social landscape of the 1980s
Across different genres
- In the musical "Rent," the falling action includes the characters grappling with loss, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the face of adversity
- In the absurdist play "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett, the falling action is marked by the characters' realization that Godot may never arrive and their decision to continue waiting, highlighting the cyclical nature of their existence
Key Terms to Review (17)
Beat Shift: A beat shift refers to a change in the emotional tone or direction within a scene, marking a transition that alters the dynamics between characters or the overall mood of the moment. This shift is crucial in playwriting as it can signify a turning point in dialogue, revealing new motivations or conflict. Understanding beat shifts helps in crafting scenes that maintain engagement and reflect character development effectively.
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.
Climactic moment: The climactic moment is the peak of tension or conflict in a narrative where the main character faces a critical decision or turning point. It serves as the emotional high point of the story and often leads directly to the resolution of the conflict. This moment is essential for driving the narrative forward and significantly impacts the falling action, revealing the consequences of the character's choices and actions.
Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a disagreement or conflict by addressing the underlying issues, facilitating communication, and finding mutually acceptable solutions. It is essential for character development and plot progression, as it often leads to character growth, changes in relationships, and the resolution of story arcs. Understanding conflict resolution helps in recognizing how characters can move from tension to harmony, impacting both the narrative's emotional depth and overall engagement.
Denouement: Denouement is the final part of a narrative where the complexities of the plot are resolved, and the story comes to a close. This phase ties up loose ends, providing clarity and a sense of closure for the audience. It follows the climax and is crucial in shaping how the protagonist's journey is perceived and how conflicts are resolved.
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.
Falling action: Falling action is the part of a story that follows the climax and leads toward the resolution. It serves as a bridge between the climax, where the main conflict reaches its peak, and the denouement, where the story's elements come together. During falling action, tensions decrease as characters begin to confront the consequences of their actions and decisions made during the climax, allowing for character development and plot resolution.
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.
Henrik Ibsen: Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often referred to as the father of modern drama. He is best known for his plays that delve into social issues and complex human emotions, which were groundbreaking during his time and continue to influence contemporary theater. Ibsen's works often present a detailed exposition of character motivations, leading to intense internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, making him a central figure in the study of realism and naturalism in drama.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the final part of a story where the main conflicts are resolved, leading to a sense of closure for the audience. It's a crucial moment that follows the climax and falling action, tying together the narrative threads and providing insight into the characters' fates. This part often highlights the transformation of the protagonist and establishes a new normal, influencing how audiences interpret the overall message of the play or script.
Suspense Building: Suspense building is the technique used in storytelling to create a feeling of anticipation and uncertainty regarding the outcome of a plot. This method often involves presenting obstacles and conflicts that raise questions in the audience's mind, compelling them to stay engaged as they await resolutions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining tension throughout the narrative, especially leading up to the climax and ultimately into the falling action.
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.
Tension Release: Tension release refers to the moment in a narrative when the built-up emotional or dramatic tension is alleviated, often leading to a resolution of conflict or character arcs. This release typically occurs after a peak of tension, providing relief to both characters and the audience, and is crucial for the overall pacing and emotional flow of a story.
Thematic Closure: Thematic closure refers to the resolution of the central themes and ideas within a narrative, providing a sense of completeness and satisfaction to the audience. It often occurs towards the end of a story, where the conflicts are resolved, and the underlying messages become clear, allowing the audience to reflect on the journey of the characters and the significance of their experiences. This concept is crucial as it reinforces the narrative’s emotional impact and invites deeper engagement with its themes.
Turning Point: A turning point is a moment in a narrative that leads to significant change, marking a shift in the direction of the plot or the development of characters. It usually influences the trajectory of the story, either propelling it toward resolution or leading to further complications. This moment is often pivotal for character development and can be associated with emotional stakes, tension, and conflict.