How Plot Orders Events: Fiction/Drama Practice Test

Read the following original drama excerpt. The playwright begins with an ending, then returns to earlier scenes.

ACT IV, Scene 6 (A train platform. Dawn. A single suitcase.)

LEO: You came.

ADA: I said I would.

LEO: After everything?

ADA: After everything, I finally believed you.

(Train whistle. ADA steps back.)

ADA: Don’t wave. It makes it harder.

ACT II, Scene 1 (Months earlier. A cramped apartment. Bills on the table.)

ADA: You’re late again.

LEO: The manager kept me.

ADA: The manager, the traffic, the weather—your excuses have their own address.

LEO: I’m trying.

ADA: Trying is what you say when you want credit for failing.

ACT III, Scene 3 (Later. Same apartment. A small ring box on the counter.)

LEO: I bought it months ago.

ADA: Then why didn’t you give it to me?

LEO: Because I wanted to deserve it first.

ADA: And now?

LEO: Now I’m tired of waiting for myself to become someone else.

What is the primary function of opening with ACT IV, Scene 6 before returning to earlier scenes?​

Consider the following original drama excerpt, in which the playwright places a brief, quiet scene after a climactic argument.

ACT III, Scene 1 (A living room. A suitcase open on the couch.)

RUTH: If you walk out, don’t come back with apologies.

BEN: I’m not leaving. I’m escaping.

RUTH: From what?

BEN: From being the villain in your story.

RUTH: You wrote it.

BEN: You edited it.

(They stare. BEN shuts the suitcase.)

ACT I, Scene 2 (A year earlier. Same living room. A birthday cake on the table.)

BEN: Make a wish.

RUTH: I already did.

BEN: Then tell me.

RUTH: If I say it, it won’t happen.

BEN: I’ll pretend I didn’t hear.

RUTH: Promise?

BEN: Promise.

ACT III, Scene 2 (Back to present. The suitcase remains shut.)

RUTH: Do you remember my wish?

BEN: You never told me.

RUTH: I did. You just kept your promise too well.

What is the most likely purpose of inserting ACT I, Scene 2 between ACT III, Scene 1 and ACT III, Scene 2?​