At some point in your narrative, you will definitely want to introduce elements leading to the major conflict in your work. You should do this as soon as possible in order to engage your reader in your text. The information leading up to the conflict is called "rising action". It includes everything that is needed to develop the conflict, and is represented by the left upward slope of the triangle.
Exposition and rising action are really easy to tie together. Actually, it is better that they are interspersed throughout the opening of the work. That way, you don't have to worry about boring your reader with your exposition. Rising action should be exactly that -- action. Give your reader dialogue, mini conflicts, and interior thoughts of the characters. The rising action as well as the exposition should prepare the reader for the conflict.
The conflict is the heart of the work. It is the point of the plot triangle. No matter how long or short the writing of it actually is, it is what the whole work is about. The action before and after the conflict build up to and resolve the conflict. A conflict can be something small or something completely outrageous. Usually, the conflict is the first thing that comes to me when I think of a story. The important thing about the conflict is to make sure that your reader can believe in the conflict. Fully develop your characters. Give them reasons to have this conflict. If your reader cannot understand the motives and personalities of your characters, then the dramatic effect of the conflict is lost. Remember, your characters carry your plot.
So, in summary, exposition and rising action should be your main tools of developing a basis for conflict. They should be written with action. Keep your readers attention. The conflict can be a surprise or a totally predictable event, however, it should be something that you have prepared your reader for with the exposition and rising action. They have to know how and why this conflict occurs.
Get to work developing your characters and awesome plots, and meet me here next week to discuss falling action and resolution. Tell us about elements of a good plot on the message board. How do you keep from boring your readers with exposition? How do you keep the rising action eventful? See you next week.
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