Plot

The pattern that results from the

events in the story and the order in
which they are presented.
Freytags Pyramid
1. Exposition 4. Climax
2.Conflict 5. Falling Action
3.Rising Action 6. Dnouement




1 2
4
5
6
3
Introduction of Characters and Setting
The Status Quo
-The state of things
-Character Relationships
-Society
-Conflicts
By the end of a traditional story the status
quo is either restored, or a new one is in
place.
Most plots involve conflict, external and/or
internal, as the characters participate in a
series of actions.
-External conflict:
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Environment
Person vs. Society
Person vs. The Supernatural
-Internal Conflict:
Person vs. Themselves
The increase in tension in a story.

May contain complications to the initial
conflict.

Introduction of minor conflicts.


The climax is the highest point of tension in
a story. It is when the protagonist makes a
decision for better or worse.

The falling action is the release of
tension in the story.

As elements become inevitable for
better or for worse the tension
decreases.
How the story turns out.

The introduction of a new status quo, or
the restoration of an old status quo
The pyramid is a simplistic way of viewing
literature.
Most literature does not follow exactly the
structure.
In some stories plot may not even be the
emphasis; the author may instead use a
revelation or an epiphany, in which the
character and/or reader moves toward a
particular insight.
What qualities or values are associated with
each side of a conflict?
Do any conflicts go unresolved? Does the
author have a purpose in not resolving
some conflicts?
Does the plot follow chronological order?
What effect does a story with irregular
chronology have upon the work, the
reader?