Consequences

Definition

Consequences are the outcomes or results that follow an action, decision, or event, often leading to significant impacts on characters and plot development. In storytelling, understanding consequences is vital as they enhance the stakes of the narrative, driving character motivations and creating emotional investment for the audience. These outcomes shape the pacing and momentum of a story, influencing how tension builds and is released.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consequences can be immediate or delayed, affecting not just the characters involved but also the broader narrative arc.
2. High stakes often lead to more significant consequences, which can heighten the emotional impact of a story.
3. The pacing of a story can be influenced by how quickly or slowly consequences unfold, impacting audience engagement.
4. Consequences should feel earned; they should logically follow from characters' choices to maintain narrative integrity.
5. In effective storytelling, consequences are integral to character development, forcing growth or change in response to their actions.

Review Questions

• How do consequences affect character development within a narrative?
  • Consequences play a crucial role in shaping character development by forcing characters to confront the outcomes of their actions. When characters face significant consequences, they are often challenged to grow or change, leading to deeper emotional arcs. This interaction between character decisions and their repercussions adds depth to the storytelling, allowing audiences to connect more profoundly with character journeys.
• Discuss how escalating stakes lead to more impactful consequences in a story's progression.
  • As stakes escalate in a narrative, the potential consequences become more severe and meaningful for the characters involved. This heightened tension compels characters to make more significant decisions, which then leads to impactful outcomes that can change the direction of the plot. The interplay between increasing stakes and consequential outcomes creates a dynamic narrative flow that keeps audiences engaged and invested in the story's resolution.
• Evaluate the relationship between pacing and consequences in maintaining narrative momentum.
  • Pacing directly influences how consequences are perceived and felt by the audience, affecting overall narrative momentum. When consequences are introduced swiftly after critical actions, it can create a sense of urgency that propels the story forward. Conversely, if consequences unfold too slowly, it may disrupt pacing and diminish tension. Balancing these elements ensures that audiences remain engaged while highlighting how pivotal choices lead to important outcomes in the storyline.

Related terms

Stakes: The stakes refer to the potential gains or losses that characters face in a narrative, which are often linked to their goals and desires.

Conflict: Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot forward and reveals character motivations and consequences of their actions.

Climax: The climax is the turning point in a story where the tension reaches its peak, and the consequences of prior actions come to a head, leading to resolution.