Most Complications Unfold During a Plot’s Rising Action: Why It Matters for Storytelling
Every compelling story hinges on tension, surprise, and momentum. While the setup (exposition) introduces characters and the world, and the climax delivers the emotional peak, it’s the rising action—the phase where most complications unfold—that truly drives a narrative forward. These complications, whether internal conflicts, external obstacles, or unexpected twists, transform a simple premise into an unforgettable journey. Understanding how and why complications arise during this stage of a plot can elevate storytelling, whether you’re crafting a novel, screenplay, or even a marketing campaign.
The Role of Complications in Plot Structure
A plot’s structure typically follows a five-act framework: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Think about it: the rising action is where the story gains momentum, and complications—obstacles, conflicts, or revelations—begin to pile up. These complications test characters, challenge their goals, and force them to adapt, making the audience invested in the outcome.
As an example, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the exposition introduces Harry’s mundane life with the Dursleys. The rising action begins when he discovers he’s a wizard, leading to complications like his first encounter with Quidditch, the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone, and Voldemort’s return. Each complication escalates the stakes, pushing Harry closer to the climax Nothing fancy..
Without complications, stories risk becoming static. They create friction that fuels character growth, deepens themes, and keeps audiences guessing.
Common Types of Complications
Complications fall into two broad categories: external and internal.
External Complications originate from the story’s world or environment. These include:
- Physical obstacles: A locked door, a storm, or a chase scene.
- Societal conflicts: Laws, prejudices, or power struggles.
- Antagonistic forces: Villains, rivals, or systemic oppression.
Internal Complications stem from a character’s psyche or motivations. These might involve:
- Moral dilemmas: Choosing between right and wrong.
- Emotional struggles: Guilt, fear, or insecurity.
- Identity crises: Questioning one’s purpose or beliefs.
As an example, in Breaking Bad, Walter White’s internal conflict—his desire for control versus his fear of mortality—drives much of the tension. Meanwhile, external complications like drug cartels and law enforcement close in, amplifying the drama.
How Complications Drive the Story Forward
Complications act as catalysts. So they disrupt the status quo, forcing characters to act rather than react. Consider The Hunger Games: Katniss Everdeen’s decision to volunteer as tribute (a complication) sets off a chain reaction. Her survival in the arena, alliances with other tributes, and the Capitol’s manipulation all escalate the conflict, leading to the climax of her rebellion.
The cause-and-effect relationship between complications and plot progression is critical. Even so, Reveal character: Show how they adapt, grow, or fail. Each complication should:
- Raise the stakes: Increase what the characters stand to lose.
- Plus, 2. Build suspense: Keep audiences wondering, “What happens next?
In Jurassic Park, the complication of the dinosaurs escaping their enclosures isn’t just a plot device—it exposes the hubris of the scientists and forces the characters to confront their limitations Surprisingly effective..
Examples of Effective Complications in Literature and Film
- Shakespeare’s Macbeth: The titular character’s ambition (internal) and the witches’ prophecies (external) collide, leading to regicide, paranoia, and eventual downfall.
- Christopher Nolan’s Inception: The protagonist’s guilt over his wife’s death (internal) manifests as a subplot that haunts his missions, while corporate espion
