Writing the Literary Story

Exposition

Introduce us to your…

•Characters

•Setting

•Conflict

•Protagonist

•Antagonist

Example Exposition

Why can’t you be more responsible? The line Adam’s father loved to use in anger rumbled through his mind. No matter how hard he tried nothing was good enough. You never help out around here do you? Selfish good for nothing.. Adam stumbled to his car, put the keys in the ignition and listened to the rumble of the engine.

Check your exposition

• Did you include your main characters?

• Do I know where the story is taking place?

• Do I know what the problem is that is the catalyst for the rising action?

Rising Action

• This is the plot leading up to your climax.

• Your rising action needs to have events that are building up to the suspenseful moment where the character changes.

Rising Action Example

Adam beat his hands against the steering wheel. Gritting his teeth he pushed his foot on the accelerator slamming the car into reverse. The car surged backwards and he barely noticed the red jacket shimmering between the raindrops. “Adham, look out!” his brother’s cry stopped him. Rolling down his window he snickered and said, “you in or you out?” knowing his little brother could never say no to his big brother.

Rising Action continued

Brendan, pushing his slicked back blonde hair out of his clear blue eyes, timidly smiled and responded in. Opening the door quickly he slid his 50 pound frame into the door frame. Adam didn’t even give him a chance to buckle his seat belt before accelerating and continuing to drive off.

Sitting quietly Brendan waited for Adam to tell him where they were going. Adam ignored him, turning on the radio. It was then that they heard an advertisement for the fair in town. Looking at his little brother Adam’s anger swelled inside. Why is he never in trouble? Why does Dad love him so much and hate me?

Rising Action continued

There were no answers. Adam felt his mind whirling, he knew that his brother was scared of heights, but couldn’t stand to be the baby. For once, he’ll know what it feels like to be unhappy. Adam turned to his baby brother and said, “I know where we’re going. Let’s go to the fair. I know how much you like cotton candy. We’ll play games.”

Brendan looked at him happily, he loved spending time with his brother. Lately Adam seemed so full of anger he never had time for him.

The line to get into the park was sparse because of the weather. The boys quickly were inside and Adam latched onto Brendan’s shoulder.

Rising Action cont.

“Cotton candy is for babies. You don’t want to be a baby do you?” Brendan looked at Adam tears welling in his eyes, “nooo” he said voice quaking. He could tell Adam’s mood was dangerous. “Come on then.” Adam’s hand was a vice on his wrist pulling him to the front of the roller coaster line.

“But Adam, I’m not tall enough to ride.” Brendan said, pointing to the sign. He was only 3 feet 2 inches. Adam ignoring him, shook his shoulder and said stop being a brat were riding. The two of them got on the ride and the belt didn’t even reach Brendan’s lap.

Rising Action

Slowly the ride started chinking up the side,chhaaaiiink, ccchhhaainkk, chaaaiiinkk. The ride was going well until it hit it’s first loop. “Adam, I’m falling,” Brendan shouted. Adam looked to his brother’s face and realized all too late the situation he had placed them in.

Your turn

• Write your rising action

• You should include all of the events leading up to your climax – the turning point

• Use dialogue to develop your character’s personality or to reveal plot events.

Climax

This is the turning point in the story where the character changes and it is a suspenseful moment.

Ex: Adam looked to his brother’s face and realized all too late the situation he had placed them in. His little brother was only 5 he needed his big brother to look out for him. He couldn’t help it if their father was so flawed. It wasn’t his fault. Adam grabbed onto his little brother’s wrist, but it was too late.

Climax- Your Turn

• Did you include a moment (turning point) in the story? What affect do you expect it to have on readers?

• Shock, suspense, enlightenment

Falling Action

• These are the events after your climax leading to the resolution

Brandon’s fingers clung to Adam’s, but the roller coaster’s kinetic energy tore them apart. Brandon was flung from his arms and his limp body struck the water below.

The ride continued it’s devastating journey to the end of the tracks. Adam’s screams mingled with the other passenger’s voices. He realized all to late, the importance of his brother in his life.

Falling Action

• Did you provide events that continue to keep the reader engaged, but begin to end the story? Or does your story end right after the turning

point?

Resolution

At the end of the ride, Adam rushed off screaming his brother’s name. The police at the end of the ride grabbed his arms trying to pull him back. He continued to shout his brother’s name over and over. Falling to his knees, head in hands, his tears were matched by natures cries. Adam realized that his father was just trying to force him to grow up early and be responsible for himself. Brandon was just in kindergarten. He didn’t play into any of this.

Theme

• In your theme does your character learn a lesson?

• Are all loose ends tied up?