Elements of Fiction
Preparation
, Chapter 1 - Plot
All good and interesting to read stories are structured in a similar way; they all have
the following parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
Freytag’s pyramid shows how stories (usually) develop:
The exposition is the background to understand the story such as the place and time,
characters etc. The exposition ends with an inciting incident which triggers something
to start the action in a story. Usually, the main character then has a goal that he/she
attempts to reach.
The rising action is a series of events and actions that either help or challenge the
main character. Often there are obstacles and conflicts that need to be overcome.
The climax is the peak of the action and the turning point in the story. After the
climax, everything changes.
During the falling action, the conflicts will unravel. It may be very exciting until the end
(resolution) whether things will turn out good or bad for the main character.
The dénouement explains any remaining secrets or questions or how characters feel
about what has happened. The author may use this part of the story to let the reader
think about a life lesson.
Preparation
, Chapter 1 - Plot
All good and interesting to read stories are structured in a similar way; they all have
the following parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
Freytag’s pyramid shows how stories (usually) develop:
The exposition is the background to understand the story such as the place and time,
characters etc. The exposition ends with an inciting incident which triggers something
to start the action in a story. Usually, the main character then has a goal that he/she
attempts to reach.
The rising action is a series of events and actions that either help or challenge the
main character. Often there are obstacles and conflicts that need to be overcome.
The climax is the peak of the action and the turning point in the story. After the
climax, everything changes.
During the falling action, the conflicts will unravel. It may be very exciting until the end
(resolution) whether things will turn out good or bad for the main character.
The dénouement explains any remaining secrets or questions or how characters feel
about what has happened. The author may use this part of the story to let the reader
think about a life lesson.
