Dramatic
Structure: Plot
HOW DOES STRUCTURE INCREASE CREATIVITY?
Plot is a very old


People such as Aristotle noticed that great stories
(whether by the Greeks, Shakespeare, or Pixar)
follow a common pattern. They each contain
these five acts:

Exposition

Rising action

Climax

Falling action or resolution

Dénouement
Using these terms, we’re going to explore the plot
of Finding Nemo.
Act I: Exposition

Definition: In the exposition, the reader meets the
protagonist and sees life before the conflict starts.

Essential Characteristics of the exposition:
 Introduces
protagonist’s character
 Introduces
general setting
traits
 Main
plot has not started.
Protagonist = hero, main character of the s
As we watch...

How did the writer use the exposition to show the
Marlin and Nemo’s character traits?

How would you describe Marlin? Use strong
adjectives. Avoid physical traits.

How would you describe Nemo? Use strong
adjectives. Avoid physical traits.

Now, think of WHAT made you think this about
them?
How did the writer use the exposition
to show the Marlin and Nemo’s
character?

Examples:

Marlin’s cautious nature is shown when he goes in and out of the
home indefinitely, checking for danger.

We also see that Nemo is a regular kid, annoyed by his father’s
worrying.

Marlin is socially awkward,
revealed through his terribly
unfunny joke. He’s also
overprotective.
Okay, back to exposition
as a concept...

Remember, in the exposition, the real conflict has
not begun yet -- the real plot hasn’t started yet.
No one is trying to “find Nemo.”

The conflict begins with an event known as the
“inciting incident.”
Act II: The “inciting incident”
and the rising action

In Finding Nemo, the conflict truly begins when
Nemo is taken by the divers. This is known as the
inciting incident. It is the origin of the next act, the
rising action.
 Think
of it as a spark.
 Something
always starts the conflict.
This something is the inciting incident.
Act II: Rising action

Definition: The rising action is the series of
adventures the characters go on.

Each adventure slowly takes them
towards the climax through conflict.
 Quality
stories get increasingly
suspenseful and tense as the climax
approaches.
 The
rising action begins with an event
known as the “inciting incident.”
Act II: Rising action

Essential Characteristics
 Several
mini-adventures within the
main plot
 Longest
 Builds
act of the story
tension, excitement, and
suspense over time through conflict.
Examples of rising action from
Finding Nemo:

Inciting incident: Nemo is taken by
the divers!

Marlin encounters the sharks.

Marlin goes through the jellyfish.

Nemo gains the friendship of the
aquarium fish.

Nemo attempts to escape the
aquarium.
Act III: The climax

Definition: The climax is the peak of the action. It
could be a huge battle or an exciting action
scene.

Essential Characteristics:
 Most
story.
intense, exciting moment of the
 Storylines
come together
Example from Finding Nemo:

The search for Nemo intersects with
Nemo’s own adventures in the
dentist’s office.

The climax continues into the
ocean, reaching its peak when
Nemo rescues the fish trapped in a
net.
So, what’s next?
 Can
you imagine if the
movie simply ended in the
middle of all the
excitement of the climax?
We would never know how
the big battle turned out or
if the heroes were all safe.
Act IV: The falling action

Definition: The falling action is a short but vital part
of the story that resolves the climax.

Essential Characteristics:

Shows the outcome of the climax

Tells the reader/audience the status of the main
characters
Falling action in Nemo

Example: In Finding Nemo, this is when Nemo
saves Dorie and Marlin learns to trust his son.

Non-Examples: The falling action should not leave
the reader confused.
Act V: Resolution

Think about the final part of the movie
Finding Nemo. We see Nemo and Marlin
back in the same situation as the
beginning of the movie. They are back at
the reef and Nemo is preparing to go to
school. Only this time, there are major
differences from the exposition.

As we watch, note the differences.
Act V: Resolution

Definition: The resolution reveals how the
characters have “changed over time.”

Essential characteristics:
 The
characters are back in a
similar setting as the exposition
 The protagonist behaves
differently, showing effect of the
story’s conflict
 A great dénouement shows how
the characters have changed.
In Finding Nemo, the resolution
shows:
 Marlin
joke.
finally tells his whole
 Marlin
is no longer
overprotective of his son.
 Nemo
is confident and happy.
On a thinking note...

Writers make use of a strong
structure that allows them to find
creative success.

Can you think of any other structure
that facilitates (helps) success?
What makes a good
story?

Drama! Disagreements based on
perspectives

Conflict

Struggle that leads to tough choices

Interesting lead characters that change
over time

Turning points and twists (obstacles)
 these
is
show us who the character really
What does a story have to
have?

Beginning, middle, and end

Plot structure including turning points, moments of
choice, obstacles, etc.

The main character must be changed by what
happens in the story

Setting relevance

Dialogue

Show not tell
What does a story have to
have?