A Quick Note on Plotting with the Freytag Pyramid in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer
by Ryker J. Phoenix
The Freytag Pyramid is a popular tool for plotting and analyzing the structure of a story. Developed by German writer Gustav Freytag in the mid-19th century, the pyramid is a visual representation of the five-act structure commonly used in dramatic storytelling. It consists of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. In this essay, we will explore how to use the Freytag Pyramid to effectively plot a story.
The first part of the pyramid is the exposition, which introduces the main characters, setting, and the initial conflict or problem to be addressed. (This is also called the introduction or prologue in some storytelling models.) This is where the audience gets a sense of the story's world and the characters involved.
Next comes the rising action, where the bulk of the story takes place. This is where complications and obstacles begin to pile up, causing tension and conflict for the characters. The tension builds as the characters try to overcome these obstacles and reach their goals. There is a sense of rising action and momentum as the story progresses towards its climax.
The climax is the highest point of tension in the story and mark of transition into the final act. It is where the main conflict or problem comes to a head, resulting in a significant change or event in the story. The climax is the moment where many stories will pivot towards a final conclusion. Often, this is where the hero will make their ultimate decision or sacrifice to solve the problem.
After the climax, the story moves into the falling action, where the tension begins to wind down. The conflict is unraveled, and the characters work towards a resolution. This stage can vary depending on the story. In some cases, it is a short denouement that ties up loose ends quickly. In other cases, it might be a longer, more contemplative section, where characters reflect on the events that have occurred and process their feelings.
Finally, the story ends with the resolution, tying up any remaining loose ends and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. The resolution should provide a sense of closure and resolution for the characters and the audience. It is the culmination of the work put into building the story and requires satisfying exploration.
Using the Freytag Pyramid, we can see how each of these elements contributes to a well-structured story. The progression of the story is essential to creating an interesting and satisfying experience for the audience. Used wisely, the skilful implementation of these stages can support a meaningful and resonant connection with the story's themes, characters, and overall message.
In Conclusion, the Freytag Pyramid is a popular tool for plotting and analyzing stories as it provides a clear structure to follow, which can be easily understood by both writers and audiences alike. A story that follows the Freytag Pyramid has a strong narrative structure and has the tendency to engage the audience's attention, making it an effective tool for novelists and screenwriters alike. By employing the principles of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, one can create plots that are cohesive and satisfying to readers.
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