DRAMATIC ACTION is that action which happens in a novel, screenplay, memoir, short story, and any other kind of writing that causes a character(s) to react and thus be affected by and changed at depth over the duration of the story.

Action in and of itself is not dramatic. Conflict, tension, suspense, mystery, and/or curiosity make action dramatic.
Random action is not dramatic. Action that unfolds through cause and effect is.
Action that happens in scene can be dramatic. After all, scene "shows" the action happening moment-by-moment on the page.
Action that happens in summary is not. After all, summary merely "tells" about action.

DRAMATIC ACTION is a critical element of plot. Yet, as important as Dramatic Action is, it is only part of the overall picture. Plot is a series of SCENES deliberately arranged by CAUSE AND EFFECT to create DRAMATIC ACTION filled with CONFLICT to further the CHARACTER EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT and provide THEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE. Again, DRAMATIC ACTION is a critical element of plot. However, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT and THEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE deserve equal attention.

Take the Test To determine whether you are primarily a character-driven writer versus a dramatic action-driven writer, take THE TEST.

WHERE TO GO FOR MORE DRAMATIC ACTION HELP? For more PLOT TIPS on DRAMATIC ACTION, go to PLOT TIPS. For PLOT TOOLS to help deepen your DRAMATIC ACTION plot line on the overall story level and at the scene level both, go to PLOT TOOLS. For a PRIVATE PLOT CONSULTATION focusing on the DRAMATIC ACTION plot line, go to PLOT CONSULTATION. For PLOT WORKSHOPS that focus on DRAMATIC ACTION plot line development, to EVENTS AND RESOURCES.

If you are a teacher and would like to help your students' improve reading comprehension skills and writing skills go to Teachers Guide.

	©2008 Martha Alderson. All Rights Reserved. This document and all documents on this website are copyrighted material. Any use of content requires prior written permission.