Plot BasicsPlot Basics• Most stories follow a 5 part structure that includes:Most stories follow a 5 part structure that includes:

• Exposition: Where the reader receives information about Exposition: Where the reader receives information about characters, the central conflicts of the story, and the setting.characters, the central conflicts of the story, and the setting.

• Rising Action: Where the conflict or conflicts of the story are Rising Action: Where the conflict or conflicts of the story are complicated by additional conflicts or difficulties for the complicated by additional conflicts or difficulties for the characterscharacters

• The Climax: A moment of great emotional intensity or suspense The Climax: A moment of great emotional intensity or suspense in the plot. Often either decides the outcome of the conflict or in the plot. Often either decides the outcome of the conflict or sets in motion events that will end the conflictsets in motion events that will end the conflict

• Falling Action: Where final elements of the conflicts are resolved Falling Action: Where final elements of the conflicts are resolved and outcomes begin to become clearand outcomes begin to become clear

• Resolution: The central conflicts have been resolved and the Resolution: The central conflicts have been resolved and the fates of the main, and/or supporting, characters have been made fates of the main, and/or supporting, characters have been made clear.clear.

Freytag’s PyramidFreytag’s Pyramid• Plot structure can be plotted visually using Freytag’s Plot structure can be plotted visually using Freytag’s

Pyramid, seen below.Pyramid, seen below.– Note: “Denouement” is another term used to describe the Note: “Denouement” is another term used to describe the

“Resolution”“Resolution”

Problems with FreytagProblems with Freytag

• Freytag’s Pyramid was originally based on Freytag’s Pyramid was originally based on 5-Act dramatic structure, like 5-Act dramatic structure, like Shakespeare’s plays. However, it can also Shakespeare’s plays. However, it can also be applied to novels and short stories. be applied to novels and short stories.

• Short stories, however, often do not fit the Short stories, however, often do not fit the whole pyramid. Many short stories end at whole pyramid. Many short stories end at the climax, and the climax, and implyimply the falling action the falling action and resolution, which do not occur in the and resolution, which do not occur in the story itselfstory itself