Plot Structure: Trigger

The trigger is an event or action that creates the opportunity for the problem to happen. It is not the problem itself. The trigger comes right after the orientation, and is part of the rising actions. 

Example 1

Trigger: You were taking part in a competition (soccer)

Problem: Your opponent was very strong.

Emotions: excited, nervous, proud, anxious

Adverbs:

confidently (action: dribble)

disappointedly (action: walk away)

aggressively (action: tackling)

tirelessly (scoring)

Speech:

"Man on!" shouted Glenn.

"Mine!" signalled Wei Jun.

"Possession!" called out the coach.

Thoughts:

Should I pass to Lee Qian? Should I continue to dribble all the way? Or should I just shoot? A tornado of questions swirled in my head.

Example 2

Trigger: You were taking part in a competition.

Problem: Your opponent was very strong.

Emotions: Excited, nervous, hopeful

Adverbs:

Enthusiastically, finally, first, always

Speech:

“I can’t wait for the match to start!” said Ben.

“Get dressed and ready to warm up,” said the coach.

Thoughts:

Ben: I hope we win the match. Will the opponents be very tough? Did we train hard enough?