1. The 5-Element Model of Storytelling
Story Arc
The 5-Element Model of Storytelling

3. Story Arc
The 5-Element Story Arc has 5 main elements that the story focuses on:
Exposition
Introduces the Setting, Main Character(s), Main Problem(s)
(Who, What, When, Where)
Rising Action
Characters struggle with their Problems
Climax
Tensest moment of the story and often has the most action (but not always). Character(s)face a Crisis.
Falling Action
Moves the story toward the ending. Characters are solving problem.
Resolution
Problem is resolved. Return to stability. Wraps up the story. Ties up loose ends.
Conflict is another piece that we will talk about, but it is not an official element on the Story Arc.

4. *Remember the first 4 Journalism Questions:
Exposition E
Exposition is where everything the reader needs to know is “exposed”
The Main Character is revealed.
Background information
Profile - Age, looks, height, etc.
Who are they? What sets them apart?
If there is something unique about them, have it revealed here (think Harry Potter and his lightning- shaped scar).
The Setting is shown.
Where does this story take place?
When does this story take place?
Setting is the world and environment of the story.
The Main Problem is given.
This can be anything that the Main Character needs to resolve, defeat, or overcome.
This is NOT the conflict. We will discuss this later.
*Remember the first 4 Journalism Questions:
Who, What, When, Where!

5. Rising Action RA
In the Rising Action, the Main Character begins to deal with Problem and is drawn into the story.
Rising Action is when the story starts to pick up and the Main Character starts his/her journey.
Creates suspense, interest and tension within the story.
Decisions are made by characters, character flaws come into play, and backgrounds could come into play for the first time here.
Tends to be filled with twists and turns.
The Problem revealed in the exposition, rises and escalates.

6. Climax C
“The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.”
Tensest moment of the story and often has the most action (but not always). Character(s)face a Crisis.
Comes from the greek for ladder.
Decisive moment or turning point at the point in the story.
At this point in the story, emotions are often at their most heightened states.
This is the point in which the rising action turns into the falling action.
If there is a huge twist, or surprise, it is usually revealed here.

7. Falling Action FA
Moves the story toward the ending. Characters are solving problem.
Falling Action is the part of the story after the climax and before the very end.
The main problem of the story is either resolved in this part, or well on the way to being resolved.
Usually serves as a “cool-down period” after the tension in the climax.
Begins to wrap up the narrative and tie up loose ends.
Leads to closure of the story.
Still has action, but much less suspense.

8. Resolution R
“The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.”
The resolution is the end of the story.
There is a return to stability. It wraps up the story.
Problem is resolved and loose ends are tied up.
Sometimes just told at the end of the story, but sometimes told in an epilogue.

9. Conflict !
Conflict is NOT the same as the Main Problem, but it does work together with it.
Many conflicts can occur in one story.
Conflicts usually first occur sometime before the rising action, but after the exposition.
While the Main Problem must be solved by the main character, the Main conflict is what works against the Main Character making his/her journey more difficult.
Although conflict is NOT an official element of the story arc, it is important to recognize it.