“[Drama], then, is a representation of an action that is worth serious attention, complete in itself, and of some amplitude; in language enriched by a variety of artistic devices appropriate to the several parts of the [drama];…in [drama] it is action that is imitated, and this action is brought about by agents who necessarily display certain distinctive qualities…[in an] ordered arrangement.” – Aristotle: On The Art of Poetry
ELEMENTS OF DRAMATIC STRUCTURE
The Elements of Dramatic Structure constitute of premise and dramatic question, inciting moment, theme, setting, hook, tone and atmosphere, characters and their goals, idiosyncrasies, motivation, conflict, voice, dialogue, main and sub-plot(s), turning points, rising and falling action, climax, epiphany, denouement, ending, tags, and more…
A piece of writing should always follow the classic three-act structure, even in a play of less or more than three acts. The three acts mean that there is a solid framework of beginning, middle, and end, and that the action=the conflict=the drama of the story is rising up to a point. Once it climaxes, the action falls toward a resolution.
All good writing, as all good art, is a representation of life, of happiness and unhappiness: “It is their characters, indeed, that make men what they are, but it is by reason of their actions that they are happy or the reverse.” – Aristotle: On The Art of Poetry
The Elements of Dramatic Structure are the tools a writer needs to execute his or her craft. Once you know how to use and utilize the potential of your tools and how and where to place them, your stories will not only get better, but they will be easier to write!
And, yes: Rules are often meant to be broken. But know them first!