English

Plot structure.

Definition

The sequence of events in a narrative organized into a recognizable pattern. The most common model includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution (also called Freytag's Pyramid), which together create the story's tension and release.

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 In The Outsiders: exposition introduces the Greasers, rising action builds gang tension, the climax is the church fire, and the resolution is Ponyboy's reflection
  • 2 A mystery novel's rising action involves gathering clues, the climax reveals the culprit, and the resolution shows justice served
  • 3 A short story may compress plot structure, jumping quickly from conflict to climax
Key Fact

Freytag's Pyramid: Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution

Related terms

Tangled up with.

Narrative arc → Conflict types → Dramatic structure → Narrative terms →
Studied in

2 units use this concept.

Creative Writing Elements of Fiction → English 9 Narrative Writing →