This is an updated writing workshop handout from one of the workshops I first presented in the 1990s, about using story elements. An earlier version of this handout was posted on the No Train, No Gain ...

When thinking about the story, consider some elements that all stories have – characters, plot, action, emotion. Your story should contain these elements as well.

Rising action is often one of the most important plot elements in a screenplay or script.An exciting, suspense-building element that arrives early in the story, rising action typically kick-starts ...

These reoccuring story elements have proven effects on our imagination, our emotions and other parts of our psyche. Skip to main content. Search Shop Newsletters Renew Give a Gift Subscribe.