The Structure of PlotThe Structure of Plot

• Plot– the author’s arrangement of incidents in

the story

• Freytag’s Pyramid– a diagram of the structure of a five-act

tragedy, given by Gustav Freytag– widely accepted (and sometimes adapted)

as a means of analyzing the structure of many kinds of fiction in addition to drama.

The pyramid is made up of seven steps – four phases and three moments from beginning to end.

• Exposition– the introductory material, which often creates the

tone. Gives the setting, introduces the characters, and supplies other facts necessary for understanding

Stage 1

• 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.

Stage 2

• 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.

Stage 3

• Climax– the turning point in the action, the crisis at which

the rising action reverses and becomes the falling action. Sometimes called the reversal.

Stage 4

• Falling Action– the second half of the dramatic plot. It

follows the climax and often exhibits the winding down of the climax.

Stage 5

• Resolution– the end of the falling action and the

solution of the conflict. The resolution is not always a happy ending.

Stage 6

• Denouement– 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.

Stage 7