TURABIAN STYLE FORMAT FOR BIBLIOGRAPHIES Footnote/bibliography system.
Elements of a Play - Cornell Style Notes Format
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Class: English Teacher: Mr. Brammer Date: October 7, 2008 Cues Plot Character Theme Language Rhythm Spectacle Elements of a Play Plot Exposition Exposition is a technique by which background information about the characters, events, or setting is conveyed in a novel, play, movie or other work of fiction. This information can be presented through dialogue, description, flashbacks, or even directly through narrative. Inciting Incident The inciting incident is the moment or plot point in a script that kicks the story into motion. It occurs after the set up or exposition and everything that follows the inciting incident should be a result of the inciting incident. It is where a story really begins. “For me the opening moments of a play are most important, in terms of form. I might begin a play a hundred times until I get it absolutely right. Because if I don't get you in those first few minutes, I've lost you. I want to get you caught up as fast as possible. You hear something, you see something, there's enough to drag your butt into that play… Once I'm dead certain of the opening moments, the rest is a lot simpler.” - Charles Fuller Rising Action In the narrative of a work of fiction, rising action is what occurs leading up to the climax. The rising action's purpose is usually to build suspense all the way up the climactic finish. The rising action should not be confused with the middle of the story, but is the action right before the climax. Climax A moment of great or culminating intensity in a narrative or drama, especially the conclusion of a crisis. The turning point in a plot or dramatic action. Falling Action Falling action is the part of a story, usually found in tragedies and short stories, following the climax and showing the effects of the climax. It leads up to the denouement Denouement A dénouement consists of a series of events that follow the climax of a drama or narrative, and thus serves as the conclusion of the story. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a release of tension and anxiety, for the reader. Character Protagonist: Main character Antagonist: Person, situation, or inner conflict in opposition to the main character’s goals. Secondary Characters: All other characters other than protagonist and antagonist. Theme The theme is expressed through words and actions of the characters in a series of situations that make up the plot. Each situation takes place in a setting. Language Dramatic dialogue consists of two parts: narrative and
Transcript of Elements of a Play - Cornell Style Notes Format
Class: English Teacher: Mr. Brammer Date: October 7, 2008
CuesPlot
Character
Theme
Language
Rhythm
Spectacle
Elements of a PlayPlot
Exposition Exposition is a technique by which background
information about the characters, events, or setting is conveyed in a novel, play, movie or other work of fiction. This information can be presented through dialogue, description, flashbacks, or even directly through narrative.
Inciting Incident The inciting incident is the moment or plot point in
a script that kicks the story into motion. It occurs after the set up or exposition and everything that follows the inciting incident should be a result of the inciting incident. It is where a story really begins.
“For me the opening moments of a play are most important, in terms of form. I might begin a play a hundred times until I get it absolutely right. Because if I don't get you in those first few minutes, I've lost you. I want to get you caught up as fast as possible. You hear something, you see something, there's enough to drag your butt into that play… Once I'm dead certain of the opening moments, the rest is a lot simpler.” - Charles Fuller
Rising Action In the narrative of a work of fiction, rising action is what occurs leading up to the climax.
The rising action's purpose is usually to build suspense all the way up the climactic finish. The rising action should not be confused with the middle of the story, but is the action right before the climax.
Climax A moment of great or culminating intensity in a narrative or drama, especially the
conclusion of a crisis. The turning point in a plot or dramatic action. Falling Action
Falling action is the part of a story, usually found in tragedies and short stories, following the climax and showing the effects of the climax. It leads up to the denouement
Denouement A dénouement consists of a series of events that follow the climax of a drama or narrative,
and thus serves as the conclusion of the story. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a release of tension and anxiety, for the reader.
Character Protagonist: Main character Antagonist: Person, situation, or inner conflict in opposition to the main character’s goals. Secondary Characters: All other characters other than protagonist and antagonist.
Theme The theme is expressed through words and actions of the characters in a series of situations
that make up the plot. Each situation takes place in a setting.Language
Dramatic dialogue consists of two parts: narrative and dramatic. The language should be of a greater quality then what is spoken every day. It should be poetic.
Rhythm The heart of the play. Plot, character, language, and spectacle all have their individual
rhythms in time. The combination of all these rhythms creates the impelling force of the play leading to a final climax and denouement. Rhythm creates mood.
Spectacle Everything that is seen or heard on stage. Actors, sets, costumes, lights and sound. All plays
have spectacle - some emphasize spectacle more than others.
Summary
