Rising+Action

=Rising Action : =

Definition: the series of events that lead up to the climax of the story; usually are the conflicts or struggles the protagonist encounter; build up and create tension and suspense

Examples: 1. In the play, Romeo and Juliet, the rising action takes place during Act III. The party, their meeting, and the balcony scene are all part of the rising action of the story. (During this part of the story, R & J, both decide to get married; which stirs up tension/builds up suspense in the reader because the reader really wants to know the outcome.)

2. In the short story, The Scarlett Ibis, the rising action occurs when Doodle is born with physical problems. His family believes that he will be dying soon, so his father goes to the extent of building him a coffin. (During this part of the story, Doodle faces many obstacles. This section is the rising action because it reflects the conflicts and struggles the protagonist endures.)

Memory Trick: Remember that Rising means to bring up or increase, and when you add Action that implies conflict. So when you think of Rising Action think about the coming of conflict/creation of tension.

 < Conflict!!!  Deepali Patel (: