Plot Structure OVERVIEW Freytags Pyramid v Gustav Freytag

Plot Structure OVERVIEW

Freytag’s Pyramid v Gustav Freytag (1816 -1895) was a 19 th century novelist who saw patterns in stories. v He developed a system to analyze stories--“Freytag’s Pyramid”---from his observations.

Freytag’s Pyramid v Most stories can be analyzed using this method to discover how the elements come together or connect to make the narrative work.

v Freytag’s Pyramid is divided into several parts: Climax Falling Action Rising Action Dénouement Exposition resolution inciting incident https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ty 1 A 7 N_typc

Exposition v This usually occurs at the beginning of a story when the characters are introduced and we learn about the setting.

Rising Action v This part of the story begins to develop the conflict or suspense leading up to the climax.

Climax v The most intense part (or turning point) of the story; usually the height of the conflict or an important decision.

Falling Action v Loose ends of the conflict within the story are usually tied up.

Resolution v The story comes to a reasonable end; everything is explained or resolved

Plot Structure EXAMPLE

Exposition • the introductory material, which often creates the tone. Gives the setting, introduces the characters, and supplies other facts necessary for understanding

Inciting Moment • the event or force that sets in motion the rising action of a work of fiction. Also called the precipitating incident, exciting force or narrative hook.

Rising Action • the part of the dramatic action that has to do with the complication of the action. Begins with the inciting moment, gains interest or power as the opposing groups/ideas come into conflict, and proceeds to the climax. It can also be called the complication.

Climax • the turning point in the action, the crisis at which the rising action reverses and becomes the falling action. Sometimes called the reversal.

Falling Action • the second half of the dramatic plot. It follows the climax and often exhibits the winding down of the climax.

Resolution • the end of the falling action and the solution of the conflict. The resolution is not always a happy ending.

Dénouement • involves not only the resolution of the conflict but an explanation of all the secrets and misunderstandings connected with the plot; the tying up of loose ends, exposure of a villain, clearing up a mistaken identity, reuniting characters, etc.

Plot Structure REVIEW https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=WH 5 jlk. K 4 a. UI

Freytag’s Pyramid Climax Rising Action Falling Action Dénouement Exposition inciting incident resolution