We’re exciting to launch the second series (we refuse to call it “season”) of the WriteForTheStage Podcast.
Series 1 was all about structure - well, 3-act structure to be more precise.
Act 1
We explored how Act 1 is all about the set-up of the Problem of the World, and how the problem affirms the protagonist’s “orphan” status which leads to their objective (what they believe is going to solve the problem). And, ultimately, that sets up the inciting incident, propelling the character into Act 2.
We split Act 2 into two halves: the Rising Action and the Falling Action.
The Rising Action
The Rising Action is the first half of Act 2 and where the protagonist pursues the objective crystallised through the inciting incident of Act 1. And to cut a long story short, they achieve their objective at the mid-point (or the climax) of Act 2.
This temporary moment of triumph gives way to the realisation that achieving the objective didn’t solve the Problem of the World. In fact, the problem somehow feels all the more insurmountable.
It’s back to the drawing board and we find ourselves plunging down into the low point. This is the Falling Action.
The Falling Action
The Falling Action is where the character - having failed to solve the Problem of the World - finds themselves at an impasse. This is where the character‘s NEED drives the story.
A character NEED is usually emotional. It’s set up through the subplot which starts at the beginning of the Rising Action and pays off in the Falling Action.
An emotional NEED, of course, is harder to face than a material WANT (the objective driving the Rising Action).
We often struggle to face our emotional needs because in order to accept it, we normally have to let go of something that’s entrenched. And, even if we know that that thing or behaviour is damaging us, we find it hard to let go of it.
It’s about change
This is where the Falling Action is interesting. It’s about change. Change is going to solve the problem - but change is difficult and we resist it.
So, the Falling Action is about how our protagonist resists their emotional need.
And they resist it until it threatens to destroy them.
At the end of the Falling Action, the protagonist is in a pit of despair - the Problem of the World has won.
Act 3
And then Act 3 is about how the protagonist either picks themselves up having hit rock bottom (a happy ending) or continues to spiral into a pit of despair; the problem ultimately consuming the character (a tragedy).
We go into tons of detail about the 3-act structure in Series 1 of the WriteForTheStage Podcast, so have a listen and catch up.
Which leads us to Series 2.
Search: WFTS Podcast
Series 2 is going to be all about the writing process.
We’re going to discuss all things “process” with a range of playwrights and try to find the ultimate key to writing the perfect play.
Series 2
Series 2 is launching on Saturday 20th April.
You can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify (search for WFTS Podcast) and get it delivered directly to your phone.
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Follow us on Twitter and Instagram - both @Write4TheStage. And you can follow Stephen M Hornby - Twitter and Instagram @StephenMHornby.
For more infornation about WriteForTheStage, our courses, publications, and productions, check out writeforthestage.co.uk
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