Dramatic Writing

1. Dramatic Writing

2. I. Prewriting Exercises • Find a story/plot idea Short Story – a compact, unified work of fiction that develops a single incident: it can be true, fictional, or a combination of the two • Ideas for short stories are everywhere – your life and experiences, newspapers, etc. • Choose a story that will generate interest and excitement • Check your story lines for potential and pick the one with the most potential for a good scene

3. Protagonist – hero, or main character Antagonist – villain, or person who prevents the protagonist from reaching his goal

4. Develop the plot • Plot – the interrelationship of the main events of your story • Develop using the 5 W’s of Journalism (Who, What, When, Where, Why) • Establish the major conflict of the story

5. Inciting incident – the event which sets off the trouble between the two opposing forces • Rising Action – continuing incidents that escalate the level of conflict and tension in the scene • Climax – the point where the conflict or struggle is at its highest then quickly drops off as it is resolved • Denouement – the actual resolution of the conflict

6. Develop the theme • Theme – the dominating idea, topic or concept behind the story • Every story needs one

7. Create key characters • Create interesting, believable characters for your story • Most stories have at least 3 characters • Characters include: protagonist, antagonist, narrator

8. Create the setting setting – when and where your story takes place • Create a working outline Outline – a skeleton description of the action in your story

9. II. Rough Draft/Revisions • Compare you rough draft to your outline • Review your story and plot • Refine your characters • Enhance your setting • Proofread for content • Proofread for grammar and mechanics

10. Today: Complete worksheets and create an outline • Packet including outline should be shown to Mr. Daniel or Mandy before leaving class to be checked for completion