2. Learning Objectives
To appreciate the effect of a strong and
engaging introduction to capture reader's
attention.
To apply an action start to the beginning of a
story.
3. Introduction
An action start puts the action of the story in
the beginning.
This does not mean an accident or a
cataclysmic event but rather an intense action.
This action start is a mental and emotional
drama that creates tension at the start.
It is also related to the plot.
Q: What are some of the best introductions you
have read or watched? Do you think they use
action starts?
4. Clichés
Consider the following introductions.
1) “Riinnnggggg!” the alarm clock sounded.
2) It was a bright Sunday morning.
3) The sunlight shone through my window.
The scenes introduced are not effective
because they are common events.
In contrast, an action start is effective as it is
related to the plot and creates tension right at
the start.
5. Action Start - Dialogue
Recall that an action start has tension and is
related to the plot.
We can use a dialogue:
“Alex Tan!”
Alex shot up in his seat.
The whole class giggled. Mrs Tan's steely gaze
was terrifying enough to immediately stop an
onset of laughter. Looking sheepishly around,
he tried to search for help. Adam, Alan and
Adrian, his three good friends, were suddenly
looking busy with their pencils.
6. Action Start - Dialogue
Another example using dialogue.
“That smells horrible!”
“Wait until you have tasted it.”
My mother was in the kitchen again where she
absolutely dominated and dictated the terms of
our meals.
Q: What does the dialogue tell you about the
emotional or mental state of the character?
7. Action Start - Conflict
The second way of an action start is the middle
of a conflict.
I laughed silently. Vengeance is sweet indeed.
The pain I felt then couldn't be forgotten or
forgiven. “This is to repay you for what you
have done and it is but a start.”
The character has been hurt deeply (emotional).
Revenge is also sweet (mental). There is a clear
tension and the story is introduced as one of
revenge.
8. Action Start - Conflict
Another example of an action start in the middle
of a conflict.
There was no hesitation now. With trembling
hands, he unzipped his shoulder bag and
dropped the stolen goods inside. The rest was
standing watch and one of them had struck up a
dialogue with the counter staff as planned.
Q: What is the emotional and mental drama
here?
9. Learning Activity
Choose from these idea triggers to pen your
action start with a dialogue or the middle of a
conflict.
1) He's not normal.
2) I laughed silently.
3) I left the room.
4) My father was away.
5) If only she had known.
10. Learning Activity Suggested Answer
Months turned into years yet I couldn't bring
myself to express my feelings for her. However
hard I tried, the result would always be the
same – an awkward silence or a few utterances
about nothing in particular.
In between the few conversations we had, I
remembered that I used to think – what if she
had known? Alas, she moved out of town before
I could say my goodbye.
Tension- protagonist unable to express feelings.
Plot- an unfulfilled love.
11. Discussion
What do we need to avoid when writing
introductions?
What is the underlying principle for a
successfully written action start?
What are the two ways we can do that?
12. In Summary
When writing introductions, we must take care
not to write mundane events of everyday life.
The underlying principle of an action start is to
immediately focus on an emotional or mental
drama that is unfolding to capture reader's
attention.
Two ways can help us to achieve this – by
using a dialogue or by placing the reader in the
middle of the conflict.
