The Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet

By Erin Salona

Plot Structure of a Tragedy

Exposition

Inciting Force

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Moment of Final Suspense

Catastrophe

Exposition

• The introductory section of a play in which time, place, characters and situation are presented.

Exposition

• Prologue:Two households, both alike in dignity,In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.From forth the fatal loins of these two foesA pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;. . .

Exciting/ Inciting Force

• Something happens that gets the action moving, usually in the first act.

Exciting/ Inciting Force

• Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first site but then realize they are members of feuding families.

Rising Action

• Series of events leading up to the climax; usually covers move than one act.

Rising Action

• The balcony scene• Paris discusses with Lord Capulet

marriage to Juliet• Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry

them• The marriage• Tybalt sends Romeo a letter challenging him to a duel

Climax

• The highest point of action in the play.• Change in the protagonist who

seems to be following a downward path.

Climax

• Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished from Verona

Falling Action

• Series of events following the climax• Most events go against

protagonist

Falling Action

• Juliet is told she must marry Paris• She takes a potion from Friar Lawrence • The family mourns Juliet’s death • The letter from Friar Laurence does not

arrive in time to tell Romeo of the plan

Moment of Final Suspense

• Near the end of the play, it begins to look as is if things will go the way of the protagonist after all.

Moment of Final Suspense

• Romeo goes to the Capulet tomb• Romeo notices the pink in Juliet’s cheeks and

lips.• Will he save Juliet or be too late?

Catastrophe

• The complete downfall of the protagonist, either through death or some other devastating experience

Catastrophe

• Romeo takes the poison and then Juliet stabs herself with his dagger. Both are dead.

Resolution

• The final outcome of the drama.

Resolution

• The Montagues and Capulets reconcile• Statues are built of Romeo and Juliet