Crisis
A crisis happens when there is a moment of suspense regarding the character's success or failure at an anticipated event. The audience is unsure as to how the character will perform under the actual circumstances in the story.
Higgins: "Here she is, mother."
"Eliza, who is exquisitely dressed, produces an impression of such remarkable distinction and beauty as she enters, that they all rise, quite fluttered...
Eliza: [speaking with pedantic correctness of pronunciation and great beauty of tone] How do you do, Mrs. Higgins?"
(Shaw 72-75, Act III).
Here, the audience wonders if Eliza will be able to converse with members of the upper class. Will Henry's lessons be enough to fool the Eynsford Hills? Will Eliza be able to maintain conversations with them? Will she make them think that she is a duchess? In this scene, it is revealed that Eliza impresses the Eynsford Hills so much that the women even rise when she enters.
"Eliza, who is exquisitely dressed, produces an impression of such remarkable distinction and beauty as she enters, that they all rise, quite fluttered...
Eliza: [speaking with pedantic correctness of pronunciation and great beauty of tone] How do you do, Mrs. Higgins?"
(Shaw 72-75, Act III).
Here, the audience wonders if Eliza will be able to converse with members of the upper class. Will Henry's lessons be enough to fool the Eynsford Hills? Will Eliza be able to maintain conversations with them? Will she make them think that she is a duchess? In this scene, it is revealed that Eliza impresses the Eynsford Hills so much that the women even rise when she enters.