Plot: Elements of Plot Structure
When writing a short story it is important to arrange the events according to a plotstructure. According to Aristotle, the plot
the sequence of events that makes up astory - is the most important element of storytelling. But how do you organize andstructure your writing so that your literary work is plausible, engaging andinteresting?
One useful tool is “Freytag’s Triangle”, a graphic organizer that categorizes the story
arc of a dramatic work into 5 basic elements: exposition, rising action, climax, fallingaction, and denouement or resolution. Although the triangle was originally intendedfor plays, it can also be applied to short stories and novels.
. In the exposition, the author explains who the characters are, particularlythe main character or protagonist; where the events take place; and other relevantbackground information. In addition to providing descriptions, the author oftenintroduces a
that will propel the story and make itinteresting. The conflict could be the protagonist in conflict with another person, withsociety, with nature, with God, or with himself.
. In this stage, events that lead to the climax of the story are described.In this stage the obstacles that the protagonist experiences can be explained in moredetail. Tension and excitement build as the story moves towards the climax.
. The climax is the most exciting part of a story. It is the climax or peak of conflict(s) that have been building since the exposition. In the third part of movieadaptation of The Lord of the Rings, for example, the climax would be Frodo andGollum wrestling for the ring as it falls into the lava pool.
. The final two elements of the story are the falling
action and denouement (French for “untying” or “unraveling.”) In these two closely
linked phases, the aftermath of the events that form the climax is explained. Tensionis released as the conflict of the protagonist is resolved, whether the story has a happy(
) or tragic (
Romeo and Juliet
) ending. Loose plot ends and mysteries aretied up and the story concludes.
Plot Activity One:
To test your understanding of the elements of plot structure, apply Freytag’s triangle
to Little Red Riding Hood. Write on the triangle provided where the significantevents from the story fall, e.g.,
Little Red Riding Hood visits her granny
is part of theexposition.
Little Red Riding Hood*
Little Red Riding Hood went to the forest to visit her ill granny. She took some cakeand lemonade in a basket. She met a wicked wolf that asked her which path she was
taking. She replied, “I’m taking the path that leads to my granny’s cottage.”