Summary of Research

The Drama Genre

General Structure of Drama• Generally speaking, the plot of a drama usually tends

to have a beginning, a middle and an end.• Flashbacks (and also flash forwards) are also used to

inform/remind viewers about the characters past/future.

Dramatic Structure: Freytag’s Pyramid

According to Freytag, a drama is divided up into five parts. Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and

dénouement

Breaking up the pyramid• Exposition – This is what is needed in order for the viewer to understand

what is going on within the story without needing to be told what is happening (narration)

• Rising Action – This is where problems begin to ensue for the protagonist; obstacles are put in place to prevent the protagonist from reaching their goal.

• Climax – This is simply known as the turning point within the story. Usually, if something bad has happened within the story, this is the point in where something good will come out of it.

• Falling Action – This is where what happens in the climax is reversed. What happens next within this segment may be anticipated, leaving the viewer to wonder what will happen next

• Dénouement – This is the conclusion of the story, when problems that the protagonist once faced have been resolved, or in some cases, left unsolved.