Any student of literature can describe a story's dramatic arc. First, the exposition. The characters are introduced, background told, relationships established. The exposition ends with the inciting moment, which begins the next phase - rising action. The rising action reaches climax and then flows into the falling action. Once this part of the story is told, we reach the denouement, the resolution.

This heuristic applies to elections as well. We have, from the outset, a protagonist and an antagonist (although who is which will depend on your political persuasions). We know their background and their relationship with each other. Then, the election, the inciting moment, is called. Following that, the rising action (or should that be Real Action?) evolves as each candidate reveals their position and continues on the campaign. The climax this year will occur on 21 August, and, unlike the traditional arc, the falling action and denouement will occur very shortly (almost instantly) after. 

A great story is one that lingers well after the credits have finished. You think about it the next day, or the one after. Sadly, elections very rarely fit this definition. Like a Pauly Shore movie, we quickly try and forget them. Though it has had its own share of drama, Election 2010 will, most likely, also inhabit the $2 bin of Australian history. However, it is not the election story itself that matters. Rather, it is the epilogue, the next make-up of the Federal Parliament, that counts. 

Our history, our story, is moulded and shaped by the people that occupy those seats in Canberra. And, while we may dismiss them, even scorn them, we must nevertheless recognise that politicians have the power to greatly influence how the story is told, and whether or not the Australia of which we dream is made manifest. 

This Saturday we each will be adding our own contribution to the story. Some will choose to leave their contribution blank; others will painstakingly decide the way in which their political will is expressed. Cynicism aside, a vote is an opportunity to contribute to the story. Votes count. 

After the action has fallen, after the resolution has been reached, we will know how the next chapter of Australian history will develop. And, whatever the outcome, once the election is decided, we often can do little but watch the story unfold. 

So, please, choose your words carefully. 

Marty Bortz
Masters Student
School of Social and Political Science
University of Melbourne