1.5 Falling action

Falling action is a crucial part of dramatic structure, occurring after the climax and before the resolution. It bridges the peak of tension with the story's final outcome, tying up loose ends and transitioning to the resolution. Effective falling action maintains audience engagement while decreasing tension.

Crafting compelling falling action requires balancing pacing, character development, and plot progression. It should logically follow the climax, maintain consistency with the established plot, and set up a satisfying resolution. Common techniques include character revelations, unexpected twists, and foreshadowing the ultimate outcome.

Falling action in dramatic structure

• Falling action is a crucial component of the dramatic structure that occurs after the climax and before the resolution
• It serves to bridge the peak of dramatic tension with the final outcome of the story
• Understanding how to effectively craft the falling action is essential for playwrights to create engaging and satisfying narratives

Purpose of falling action

Tying up loose ends

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• Addresses any remaining questions or unresolved plot points that were introduced earlier in the story
• Provides closure for secondary characters or subplots that may not have been fully addressed during the climax
• Ensures that all elements of the story are properly concluded and do not leave the audience feeling unsatisfied

Transitioning to resolution

• Gradually eases the audience from the heightened emotions of the climax to the final resolution
• Prepares the audience for the ultimate outcome of the story by hinting at or foreshadowing the resolution
• Acts as a bridge between the climax and the resolution, allowing for a smooth and logical progression

Decreasing dramatic tension

• Slowly releases the tension that was built up during the rising action and climax
• Allows the audience to process the events of the climax and their implications for the characters
• Provides a sense of relief or catharsis after the intense emotions of the climax

Characteristics of effective falling action

Logical progression of events

• Events in the falling action should follow a clear and rational chain of cause and effect
• The actions and decisions of characters should be consistent with their established traits and motivations
• The falling action should feel like a natural continuation of the story rather than a forced or contrived sequence of events

Consistent with established plot

• The events of the falling action should align with the overall narrative arc and themes of the play
• Any new information or revelations introduced in the falling action should support and reinforce the central conflict and character development
• Inconsistencies or contradictions with earlier plot points should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the story

Maintaining audience engagement

• The falling action should keep the audience invested in the story and characters, even as the dramatic tension decreases
• Interesting character interactions, revelations, or unexpected developments can help sustain audience interest
• The promise of a satisfying resolution should be used to maintain audience engagement throughout the falling action

Pacing of falling action

Length vs climax

• The falling action is typically shorter in duration compared to the rising action and climax
• The length of the falling action should be proportional to the intensity and complexity of the climax
  • A longer, more intense climax may require a more extended falling action to properly resolve
  • A shorter, more straightforward climax may only need a brief falling action to tie up loose ends

Balancing resolution and suspense

• The falling action should strike a balance between providing a sense of resolution and maintaining a degree of suspense or uncertainty
• Revealing too much too quickly can make the falling action feel rushed and unsatisfying
• Withholding too much information can frustrate the audience and undermine the impact of the resolution

Avoiding rushed or drawn-out scenes

• Scenes in the falling action should be paced appropriately to maintain audience engagement and narrative momentum
• Rushed scenes can leave plot points or character arcs feeling unresolved or underdeveloped
• Drawn-out scenes can cause the story to lose steam and the audience to lose interest
• Each scene should serve a clear purpose in advancing the plot or character development towards the resolution

Relationship to other plot elements

Connection to climax

• The falling action is directly influenced by the events and outcome of the climax
• The consequences and implications of the climactic moment should be explored and addressed in the falling action
• The falling action should demonstrate how the climax has changed the characters and their relationships

Set up for resolution

• The falling action lays the groundwork for the final resolution of the story
• It should provide the necessary information, character development, and thematic exploration to make the resolution feel earned and satisfying
• Hints or foreshadowing of the resolution can be introduced in the falling action to create anticipation and build towards the end

Contrast with rising action

• The falling action serves as a counterpoint to the rising action in terms of pacing and tension
• While the rising action builds towards the climax with increasing dramatic tension, the falling action gradually releases that tension
• The contrast between the two helps to create a sense of balance and structure in the overall narrative arc

Common techniques in falling action

Character revelations or transformations

• The falling action often features significant character revelations or transformations as a result of the climactic events
• Characters may gain new insights, confront hard truths, or undergo personal growth that alters their perspective or behavior
• These revelations and transformations help to provide closure and resolution for individual character arcs

Unexpected twists or complications

• While the overall tension decreases in the falling action, unexpected twists or complications can still be introduced to maintain audience interest
• These twists should not overshadow or undermine the resolution, but rather add depth or nuance to the story
• Minor obstacles or challenges can be presented to the characters as they work towards the final resolution

Foreshadowing of resolution

• The falling action can include hints or clues that point towards the ultimate resolution of the story
• Foreshadowing can be subtle, such as through dialogue, symbolism, or character actions
• Effective foreshadowing creates a sense of anticipation and satisfaction when the resolution is finally revealed

Challenges in writing falling action

Maintaining dramatic momentum

• One of the main challenges in writing falling action is maintaining a sense of dramatic momentum after the climax
• The decreased tension can sometimes lead to a loss of energy or interest in the story
• Playwrights must find ways to keep the audience engaged through compelling character interactions, revelations, or thematic exploration

Resolving subplots satisfactorily

• The falling action is often where subplots and secondary character arcs are resolved
• Ensuring that each subplot is given sufficient attention and resolution can be challenging, especially in plays with multiple complex storylines
• Playwrights must balance the resolution of subplots with the main narrative arc to create a cohesive and satisfying whole

Avoiding anticlimactic scenes

• Another challenge in writing falling action is avoiding scenes that feel anticlimactic or unnecessary
• After the intensity of the climax, scenes that lack purpose or dramatic weight can undermine the impact of the story
• Each scene in the falling action should contribute meaningfully to the resolution and maintain audience investment in the characters and their journeys

Examples of effective falling action

In classic plays

• In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the falling action includes the tragic consequences of the lovers' deaths, the reconciliation of the feuding families, and the Prince's final speech
• In Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," the falling action reveals the true identity of Oedipus and the devastating impact of his actions on himself and his family

In contemporary plays

• In August Wilson's "Fences," the falling action explores the aftermath of Troy's affair and its impact on his relationships with his wife and son
• In Tony Kushner's "Angels in America," the falling action follows the characters as they come to terms with their identities, relationships, and the changing social landscape of the 1980s

Across different genres

• In the musical "Rent," the falling action includes the characters grappling with loss, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the face of adversity
• In the absurdist play "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett, the falling action is marked by the characters' realization that Godot may never arrive and their decision to continue waiting, highlighting the cyclical nature of their existence