The Dramatic Question

 

YOUR DRAMATIC QUESTION might be a plot question or a theme question—or both. But in order for the ending to resonate, the dramatic question must be presented in the first scene. It will always be a yes-or-no question along the lines of “Will the good guy win?” or “Will the hero learn his lesson?”

Keep in mind that when you choose to answer your story’s main dramatic question is also important. The moment you answer this question, your story is going to be effectively over. Answer it too soon, and what’s left of your plot and your character’s arc will die a slow and boring death.

 

Exercise #1: Sum up your story’s generic dramatic question.

 

Examples:

• Will the heroine find true love?

 

• Will the antihero be redeemed?

 

• Will the bad guys suffer justice?

 

Exercise #2: Refine your story’s dramatic question by filling in specific details.

 

Examples:

• Will Margie stop her self-destructive lifestyle of drugs and liquor before she loses her soul mate Tom forever?

 

• Will mercenary Mike learn to fight for a cause more worthy than just money and power?

 

• Will the Mafia be taken down by the intrepid undercover work of FBI agent Neal?

 

Foreshadowing Exercise: How can you foreshadow your First Plot Point in your first chapter?

 

Reference: Structuring Your Novel, chapter 2, pages 30-31.