The 2 ways you can escalate the rising action

In storytelling, one of the fundamental structures that has stood the test of time is Freytag’s Pyramid. Gustav Freytag, a 19th-century German playwright and novelist, dissected the five-part structure of classical drama. One of the most vital parts of this structure is the rising action, where tension builds, and the story’s conflict takes shape.

Escalating the rising action is crucial to keeping readers engaged, creating tension, and setting the stage for the climax. Two particularly effective ways to do this are through Unexpected Character Action and Unexpected Revelation. Let’s dive into these techniques and see how they link to Freytag’s Pyramid.

Escalating rising action within Freytag’s Pyramid

Freytag’s Pyramid is a model of dramatic structure consisting of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. The rising action is the segment where the conflict and tension build, leading to the story’s peak or climax.

In this critical stage, the choices you make as a writer can spell the difference between a riveting tale and a dull one. Here’s where the two techniques come into play.

Unexpected Character Action

Unexpected Character Action refers to a character behaving in a way that surprises both the reader and other characters. This can be a powerful tool to escalate the rising action for several reasons:

1. Creates suspense: Readers become invested in figuring out why a character acted in an unexpected way.
2. Adds complexity: It can reveal hidden motives or emotions, adding depth to the character.
3. Builds tension: Other characters’ reactions to the unexpected action can create additional conflict, further escalating the rising action.

Unexpected Revelation

An Unexpected Revelation is when crucial information is revealed that changes the understanding of the story or a character. This can be used to heighten the rising action by:

1. Shifting perception: The revelation can change how characters and readers perceive the situation, causing them to reevaluate what they know.
2. Increasing stakes: The new information may make the conflict more urgent or dangerous.
3. Adding layers to the plot: It can introduce new challenges or opportunities for the characters, creating more engaging twists and turns.

Implementing these techniques in your writing

Here’s how you can employ Unexpected Character Action and Unexpected Revelation to escalate the rising action:

1. Plan carefully: These techniques need to feel organic and not forced. Think about how they fit into the overall plot and character development.
2. Create foreshadowing: Hint at the unexpected actions or revelations earlier in the story to make them feel more believable.
3. Use them sparingly: Overusing these techniques can make the story feel chaotic or unbelievable. They must be used strategically.
4. Link to the climax: Ensure that these elements are building towards the climax of your story, adding to the overall cohesion and flow.

Embrace the unexpected in storytelling

Understanding Freytag’s Pyramid and employing techniques like Unexpected Character Action and Unexpected Revelation can turn the rising action of your story into a thrilling ride. They introduce elements of surprise and complexity that keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

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References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.

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