Telling a Story in Pantomime ADA1O

Storytelling To effectively tell a story and keep the attention of the audience, careful attention must be paid to how the plot is structured A common way to structure a dramatic script is called Aristotlian structure

Aristotlian Structure Based on the poetic ideas of the Greek philosopher Aristotle –Emphasis is on action –Plot follows a clear beginning, middle, and end

Aristotlian Structure

1. Exposition Laying the groundwork for the story Reveals the: –Setting –Relationships between characters –Situation as it exists before the conflict

2. Inciting Incident The peace/balance is interrupted when one or more of the characters comes into conflict with an outside force, another character, or themselves

3. Rising Action The action and events of the story build towards the moment when the critical moment where the conflict is confronted

4. Climax The most critical point in the story The point at which the conflict is at its highest point

5. Falling Action Events that take place after the climax Leads to the closure and conclusion of the story

6. Resolution The problem created or revealed by the inciting incident is resolved The lesson or meaning is revealed

Example: The 3 Little Pigs Exposition: Introduce the characters (pigs) and the scene (them building their houses) Inciting Incident: The wolf appears Rising Action: The wolf blows down the first two pigs houses and chases them to the 3 rd house Climax: The wolf arrives at the brick house and attempts to get the pigs Falling Action: The pigs are safe and live happily ever after Resolution: Hard work pays off

Example: Cinderella Exposition: Inciting Incident: Rising Action: Climax: Falling Action: Resolution:

Plotlines and Pantomimes Example: –The Lion Cage

Solo Pantomime Checking In

Activity: In pairs, write a script for a pantomime performance on… –A first date –A trip to the dentist –Getting a parking ticket –Getting a bad haircut