Understanding Rising Action: Definition, Examples, and How It Builds Your Story

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 5 min read

Are you curious about what is rising action in storytelling and how it can captivate your readers? Look no further, because this blog post has got you covered! In this post, we will explore the definition of rising action, its importance, and how it differs from the climax. We will also dive into some famous examples from literature, and provide helpful tips to create a powerful rising action in your own stories.

Defining Rising Action

Let's begin by understanding what is rising action and its significance in storytelling.

The Importance of Rising Action

Rising action is a crucial part of any story's structure. It refers to the series of events that escalate the conflict, challenge the characters, and build momentum towards the story's climax. A well-crafted rising action keeps readers engaged, as they eagerly turn the pages to find out what happens next.

Rising Action vs. Climax

While rising action is the buildup of tension and conflict, the climax is the turning point or the peak moment in the story where the main character faces their greatest challenge. The difference lies in their purpose: rising action prepares the readers for the climax, and the climax delivers the payoff or resolution. Think of rising action as the roller coaster's climb, and the climax as the thrilling drop that follows.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what is rising action, let's examine some examples from popular literature to see how it works in action.

Examples of Rising Action

Here are three examples of rising action from well-known novels to showcase how this narrative element helps build a captivating story.

Example 1: Harry Potter

In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the rising action includes events like Harry's discovery of his magical heritage, his journey to Hogwarts, and the friendships he forms with Ron and Hermione. As the story unfolds, the trio encounters various challenges, such as dealing with the school bully Draco Malfoy, uncovering the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone, and ultimately facing the dark wizard Voldemort. These events build tension and keep readers engaged, leading up to the climactic confrontation.

Example 2: The Hunger Games

In Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, the rising action begins with Katniss Everdeen volunteering to take her sister's place in the deadly Hunger Games. As the story progresses, Katniss forms alliances, outsmarts her opponents, and navigates the treacherous arena. Each challenge she faces and every sacrifice she makes builds tension and anticipation towards the climactic showdown between her and the remaining tributes.

Example 3: To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird features a rising action that revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, we see her father, Atticus, defend Tom in court despite the town's prejudice. The rising action includes events that expose the community's racism, such as the attack on Tom in prison and the children's encounter with the mysterious Boo Radley. This tension builds towards the trial's verdict and its impact on the characters.

Now that we've seen how rising action works in some celebrated novels, let's explore how it can help build your own story.

How Rising Action Builds Your Story

Rising action is a crucial component in crafting a compelling narrative. It serves several purposes that contribute to the overall success of your story. Let's examine the role of rising action in creating tension, developing characters, and setting the stage for the climax.

Creating Tension and Suspense

Rising action introduces obstacles and complications that the protagonist must overcome. This creates tension and suspense, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. By gradually increasing the stakes, the story builds momentum towards the climactic moment, making it more satisfying and impactful.

Character Development

As characters navigate the challenges and conflicts of the rising action, they grow and evolve. Their reactions to adversity reveal their true nature, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level. This character development is essential for creating well-rounded, believable characters that readers care about and invest in emotionally.

Setting the Stage for the Climax

Rising action not only builds tension but also sets the stage for the story's climax. It establishes the stakes, the characters' goals, and the obstacles they face. By the time the climax arrives, readers are fully invested in the outcome and have a clear understanding of what's at stake, making the climactic moment all the more powerful.

With a better understanding of how rising action contributes to your story, let's explore some tips for writing effective rising action that will captivate and engage your readers.

Tips for Writing Effective Rising Action

Now that you know what rising action is and how it plays a vital role in building your story, let's discuss some practical tips to help you create a captivating and dynamic narrative. Here are four key aspects to consider when crafting the rising action in your story.

Know Your Characters

Understanding your characters and their motivations is essential for creating compelling rising action. This knowledge allows you to craft realistic and engaging conflicts that challenge your characters and push them to grow. Spend time developing your characters' backstories, desires, and fears to create obstacles that feel authentic and relevant to their journeys.

Keep the Stakes High

To maintain reader interest, it's crucial to keep the stakes high throughout the story. This doesn't mean that every challenge must be life-or-death, but rather that the consequences of failure should be significant to the characters. Make sure your rising action puts your characters in situations where failure would have a real impact on their lives or the lives of those around them.

Be Mindful of Pacing

An effective rising action doesn't just present a series of obstacles—it also carefully manages the pacing of the story. Mix high-intensity scenes with quieter moments to give readers a chance to catch their breath and process the events. This balance helps maintain a sense of momentum while preventing the story from becoming overwhelming or exhausting.

Subplots and Rising Action

Subplots can be an excellent tool for enhancing your story's rising action. They add depth and complexity to the narrative and provide opportunities to explore different aspects of the characters. Be sure to weave subplots seamlessly into the main plot, ensuring they contribute to the overall story and don't distract from the primary narrative.

By implementing these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling rising action that keeps readers engaged and invested in your story. Remember, the key to great storytelling is understanding the importance of each narrative element and using them effectively to create a captivating and dynamic tale.

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