Exposition, Conflict & Resolution

what is exposition?

Definition

Exposition is a device used in television programs, films, literature, poetry, plays and even music. It is the writer's way to give background information to the audience about the setting and the characters of the story.

How Exposition Is Delivered?

Exposition can be conveyed in many different ways. One of the most popular methods is via dialogue, where the characters are talking to another about the past. A writer can work background information naturally into a conversation so that a reader or spectator can piece together the relevant information they need. We can also gain background information through a character's thoughts.

This is also often called an internal monologue, which is very popular in novels.

Other popular methods are the use of newspaper clips, flashback sequences, or even through a voice-over narrator who speaks directly to the audience.

Examples

The Godfather (1972)

The Scene: Michael (Al Pacino) explains the family business to Kay (Diane Keaton) at Michael's sister's wedding.

The Exposition: Michael tells Kay the story of how his father helped Johnny Fontane get out of his personal service contract.

Back to the Future (1985)

The Scene: Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) reveals the DeLorean time machine to Marty (Michael J. Fox) in the parking lot of the Twin Pines Mall.

The Exposition: We learn that Doc is about to "embark on a history journey" by traveling in time with his Delorean time machine, how the time machine works, that plutonium is necessary for time travel, and that Libyan terrorists are out to kill Doc.

The Matrix (1999)

The Scene: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) takes Neo (Keanu Reeves) to the Construct and explains The Matrix.

The Exposition: Morpheus shows us what the Matrix is, how it came to be, how it works, and why it must be destroyed.

what is subtext?

Definition

Subtext is what a character is really saying between the lines, and it is revealed by a character's actions and reactions. n a screenplay, subtext can be found not in the words, but instead we see it beneath the spoken lines.

Example - Frozen

What’s it about? It’s the heart-warming tale of sisterly love overcoming all. When Queen Elsa, born with potentially dangerous ice magic, freezes her country and flees into exile, it’s up to her sister Anna to go after her and convince her she’s not evil.

What’s it really about? As for any hugely successful and popular film, there are dozens of differing theories as to the ‘real’ meaning behind Frozen. Cases can be made for a gay reading of it, an environmental message, or even a Christ parable. But for my money, Frozen is really about loneliness – how it affects us in different ways, no matter how privileged our position appears to be. By making yourself lonely, you make others lonely too. Elsa literally builds a fortress of her loneliness, while Anna gives her heart to the wrong person because of hers. Every other supporting character has their battle with being lonely – Olaf and his lack of friends, Kristoff and his life outside humanity, and even Hans with being a spare son in his family.

what is conflict?

Definition

A conflict is defined as any struggle between opposing forces. Usually, the main character struggles against some other force. This type of conflict is what drives each and every story.

How Conflict Is Delivered?

When conflict exposes who a character really is, the reader is drawn in through identification. The more difficult the character’s choice, the more his true nature will be revealed. The more pressure you put on your character, the more you make him reveal his true, inner self and the more powerfully your readers will identify with him.

Examples

In great stories – Romeo and Juliet; Hamlet; Scarlett O’Hara; Frodo; Harry Potter – the heroes are forced to go all the way.

what is resolution?

Definition

The resolution, also known as the denouement, is the conclusion of the story’s plot. It’s where any unanswered questions are answered, or “loose ends are tied.”

Interestingly the phrase denouement comes from the French word dénouement meaning “to untie.” A story with a complete ending is said to have a strong resolution.

How does Resolution effect the Narrative?

It allows all the loose ends to be tied together and ensures that the story actually heads somewhere. It gives the narrative purpose which allows the audience to have a sense of satisfaction because there is a conclusion to the film. If its a cliffhanger, it may foreshadow a coming sequel or leave room for the audiences own interpretation which could potentially be a better conclusion to a film.

Example

My dog Brady was acting strange and running to the shed and back to the house. I asked him what was wrong and followed him to investigate. Inside was a black and white cat with four kittens! I got the cat and her kittens a blanket and took them inside to keep them warm. I had five new pets!

In this story, the exposition introduces a mystery: why is the dog acting so strange? The rising action is the decision to find out. The climax occurs when I discover the kittens, and the falling action occurs when I begin taking care of them. Finally, the resolution concludes that I have found five new pets and will adopt the cat and her kittens.

Resolution Script

I found this task quite effective in the concept of portraying our creativity. Starting with the opening action allowed me to think deeper and generate a scenario in my head which could effectively end the scene. I believe I was successful in generating a good ending to the script. To further improve I'd write in further detail, and add more depth to the story.

Script Screenplay.pdf

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