Writing Class 2

Inciting Incident

The event that sets the story in motion and disrupts the normal world of the character.

Denouement

The final part of a story where the plot strands are drawn together and matters are resolved.

Three Acts

A traditional structure of storytelling consisting of Act 1 (Pity, Empathy, Care), Act 2 (Fear, Know what they have to fight for), and Act 3 (Catharsis, Release).

Comedy Sketch Components

The four parts of a comedy sketch: Set Up, Reveal/Twist, Escalation, and Pay off.

Parody

A humorous imitation of a particular genre or work, often exaggerating its style for comic effect.

Satire

A genre that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock social constructs or norms.

Character Arc

The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the story.

Eccentric vs Centric

A framework of comedy that contrasts characters who are odd or out of place (eccentric) against those who are more conventional or central (centric).

Fish Out of Water

A comedic situation where a character finds themselves in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment.

Complementary Colors

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and create visual harmony when paired.

Silence in Film

The absence of sound that creates mystery and suspense, drawing the audience's attention.

Mimicry

The subconscious imitation of the facial expressions and emotions of others.

Soft Script

A type of script where producers develop ideas before filming, without a fully completed script.

Self Contained

A narrative format where episodes can be watched out of order without losing understanding of the story.

Montage

A sequence of film clips edited together to convey a passage of time or a transition.

Advanced Plot Techniques

Techniques used to reveal character and advance the story through strategic events and dialogue.

Pity, Empathy, Care

Emotions that are evoked in Act 1 of a three-act structure to engage the audience.

Twist the Knife

A storytelling technique that suggests alternate conclusions or escalates tension in the narrative.