Plot: Freytag’s Pyramid
Plot has 7 components Exposition Inciting Incident Rising Action 4. Climax 5. Falling Action 6. Resolution 7. Dénouement
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Exposition
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Exposition Inciting Incident
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Rising Action Exposition Inciting Incident
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Climax Rising Action Exposition Inciting Incident
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Inciting Incident
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Inciting Incident Resolution
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Dénouement Inciting Incident Resolution
Use Freytag’s Pyramid to illustrate plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Dénouement Inciting Incident Resolution
Example
1. Exposition: sets the scene Characters Setting
2. Inciting Incident Something happens to begin the action Complication The fairytale creatures are dumped on Shrek’s swamp by Lord Farquaad
3. Rising Action Story builds and gets more exciting
Rising Action Longest part of plot Farquaad needs to marry a princess to be King Shrek & donkey go rescue princess to get swamp back Dragon falls in love with Donkey & doesn’t eat him Fiona and Shrek fall in love Fiona turns into an Ogre at night Longest part of plot
4. Climax: Moment of greatest tension in the story Problem is at its worst. Misunderstanding: When Shrek overhears Fiona say “How can anyone love an ogre?” he thinks she’s talking about him…but she’s talking about herself. Shrek is upset.
5. Falling Action Events that happen as a result of the climax The character deals with what has happened; works to solve problem
Falling Action Fiona is going to marry Lord Farquaad Donkey confronts Shrek & explains misunderstanding Shrek breaks up wedding
6. Resolution: Problem is solved Dragon eats Farquaad
7. Dénouement: The Ending Ties any loose ends together. Any remaining secrets, questions, or mysteries are solved/explained. Sometimes the author leaves us to think about the THEME or future possibilities for the characters. Shrek and Fiona have true love’s kiss – Fiona becomes an ogre Dragon and Donkey get together Shrek & Fiona get married (and have their swamp back)
Plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Dénouement Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution Dénouement