A brief idea of Freytag's pyramid.

1. Freytag’s Pyramid By: Jo Troller

2. Freytag’s Pyramid is a device that is used to analyze the plot structure of a story or event. There are many variations of Freytag’s Pyramid; however, the most common form of the pyramid is the five point model. The five point model includes: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution or Denouement. What is Freytag’s Pyramid?

3. Freytag’s Pyramid This is the simple five point model of Freytag’s Pyramid. There are other models used, but this is the most common.

4. The exposition is the very beginning of the plotline. The exposition sets up the setting and the first few characters. There is little to do with conflict in the exposition. There may be minor conflict such as in Romeo and Juliet where the families do not get along with each other at the beginning. Exposition

5. The rising action includes the initial conflict that occurs within the story line. The rising action also may include many little conflicts and battles that will all lead up to the climax. An example of rising action includes: Antony and Cleopatra falling in love, and when Cleopatra cheats on Antony. Rising Action

6. The climax is the “point of no return” in a story or the point where the conflicts come to the very forefront. From the Climax onward the story has the course set for either success or failure. There are some stories like “A Long Day’s Journey into Night” where the story begins at the climax and you use memories to find out about the rising action that lead to this. Climax

7. Any and all action that occurs after the climax. After the climax the falling action is the battles that may occur, but are already set due to the climax. Example: Antony committing suicide after finding Cleopatra’s own suicide letter. Falling Action

8. The resolution/denouement is what happens at the very end of the story, and the plot has tied up loose ends. The difference between the words is Denouement is usually meant to be used with tragedies. Resolution is normally associated with comedies. Resolution/Denouement