Narrative Techniques Quiz

What is exposition?

• An introduction of a story's main ideas

• The event that sets off the conflict in the story

• A decision that changes a protagonist's life

• The moment when all loose ends of a story are tied up

When should exposition be delivered?

• As soon as possible

• Before the rising action

• Before the inciting incident

• At the point of greatest relevance

What is "in medias res?"

• When the main story is presented through another story

• When the story starts in the middle of the action

• When a story is resolved through a contrived plot device

• When there is not enough exposition given in a story

Which of the following is NOT true about the "inciting incident?"

• This event upsets the main character's status quo

• This event happens early in the story

• The main character is usually responsible

• There is a great need to resolve the situation

What is the main purpose of the "rising action?"

• To provide a series of exciting events

• To put the protagonist through progressively more complicated choices and events

• To set up the protagonist to succeed against his or her foes in the climax

• To introduce parallel plots and side characters

Which of the following is NOT an example of a frame narrative?

• DOA (1950)

• Titanic (1997)

• The Princess Bride (1987)

• The World is Not Enough (1999)

What is the purpose of the "crisis" or "complication?"

• To force the protagonist to make a life-changing decision

• To set up the ultimate showdown between the hero and villain

• To test the value of the story to its highest degree

• To demonstrate the positive qualities of the protagonist

What is NOT an example of a value that can be tested in the climax?

• Love

• Friendship

• Individuality

• Explosions

What does the French word "denouement" mean?

• "The final outcome"

• "The natural order"

• "The decision"

• "The mistake"

What does it mean to "show, not tell?"

• To create a film with no dialogue

• To convey a scene through action, with minimal dialogue

• To show an item in your possession, but not explain anything about it. Just stare awkwardly at your audience.

• To visually or indirectly provide exposition