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Plotting a story. An illustration of classic dramatic structure. Once upon a time, something happened to someone . . . . Inciting incident
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Plotting a story An illustration of classic dramatic structure
Once upon a time, something happened to someone . . . • Inciting incident The story begins with a watershed moment, a crisis, something dramatic: it’s not just that the invitation to the ball arrives, but that Cinderella is not allowed to accept it.
Someone decides to pursue a goal. • The heart’s desire Cinderella seeks a way to achieve her dearest wish, which is to go to the ball.
Someone devises a plan of action. • The strategy Cinderella finds rats and a pumpkin and various other items for her fairy godmother to turn into a coach and four.
Adversity strikes. • Conflict Conflict is the basis of all drama; Cinderella goes to the ball, and is almost found out by her wicked stepmother . . .
The stakes are high • Stakes drive the tension of the story Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, and feels a happiness she has never known.
The situation worsens • The bleakest moment Everything has gone wrong, and gets worse; Cinderella stays too long, and the magic fades before she can escape.
And worsens again • Tension grows The prince is seeking his magical princess, but Cinderella’s stepmother won’t let her try on the glass slipper.
Resolution • Adversity is overcome Through her own efforts, Cinderella seizes her opportunity and wins her prince.
Epilogue • Emotional weight Does Cinderella accept the prince’s proposal? Does she forgive her stepmother? What seeds were sown in the beginning of the story that justify the end?