Rising action

Definition

Rising action is the series of events and complications that build tension and develop the plot in a narrative, leading up to the climax. It involves the protagonist facing obstacles and conflicts that escalate the stakes, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome. This phase is crucial for character development and helps to create suspense, making the eventual resolution more impactful.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rising action typically follows the exposition, where characters and setting are introduced, and leads up to the climax of the narrative.
2. In feature articles, rising action can manifest through developing themes or issues that gradually intensify as the article unfolds, keeping readers engaged.
3. The purpose of rising action is to build suspense and tension, allowing readers to emotionally connect with the characters' struggles and experiences.
4. Effective use of rising action can involve various techniques such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, or introducing new conflicts to enhance engagement.
5. In journalism, rising action may include presenting contrasting viewpoints or unfolding events that contribute to a larger narrative arc in investigative pieces.

Review Questions

• How does rising action contribute to character development within a feature article?
  • Rising action plays a significant role in character development by presenting challenges and obstacles that characters must face. As tensions rise, readers gain deeper insights into the characters' motivations, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This gradual unveiling not only helps establish a connection with readers but also highlights how characters adapt or change in response to increasing pressures, making their eventual decisions more meaningful.
• In what ways can rising action be effectively utilized in feature articles to maintain reader engagement?
  • Rising action can be utilized in feature articles by introducing escalating conflicts or challenges that relate to the main theme of the piece. Journalists can craft narratives that present real-life issues or personal stories in a way that builds suspense and curiosity. By carefully pacing the delivery of information and strategically placing revelations or dilemmas throughout the article, writers can keep readers invested in how these situations will unfold.
• Evaluate how rising action affects the overall structure of a feature article and its impact on the reader's understanding of complex issues.
  • Rising action significantly impacts the overall structure of a feature article by creating a dynamic progression of events that lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues. This structural element allows writers to frame narratives in a way that encourages critical thinking and emotional engagement. As readers follow along with escalating tensions and conflicts, they are invited to reflect on multiple perspectives and implications of the issues presented, ultimately fostering a more nuanced understanding of the topic at hand.

Related terms

climax: The climax is the turning point in a narrative, where the tension reaches its highest point and the outcome of the story becomes clear.

conflict:

Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces in a story, driving the plot forward and creating tension that must be resolved.

denouement:

Denouement is the final part of a narrative where the plot strands are resolved, and any remaining questions are answered following the climax.