Freytag's pyramid

1. Aristotle’s Unified
Plot structure
Aristotle identified the basic linear plot structure in 350 BC
as a simple triangle of beginning, middle and ending. He
observed that the middle section might involve some form
of crisis, resolved by the end of the story.
Beginning
Middle
End

2. In 1863, the German novelist Gustav Freytag published Die Technik
des Dramas in which he outlined his pyramid structure for plot.
Adapting Aristotle’s basic triangle he added the idea of the plot
complicating, introducing conflicts and building to a climax point, after
which it falls away as the conflicts are worked out, the mysteries
solved and finally left with a satisfactory resolution.
Exposition
Climax
End
Falling Action
Rising Action
Freytag’s Pyramid

3. This structure was developed in the 1960s by Tzvetan Todorov into his
theory of equilibrium - disequilibrium - equilibrium.
Exposition - the start of the story,
the established situation before
the story begins.
Climax - the turning point and
the point of highest intensity
emotionally or through action
Resolution - any disruptions caused by
the rising action are returned to a state of
normalcy: mysteries are solved, and as
far as possible the established order of
the start is returned. Where it cannot be
returned, justice is served.
Rising Action - the series of
complications, conflicts and layers of
mystery that build towards the climax
Freytag’s Pyramid
Falling Action - action following the
climax and pieces of a jigsaw falling
into place to solve the mysteries

4. Freytag’s structure is noticable in Hollywood output and is striking feature
of Hollywood film trailers. The form of the triangle used below best
represents the timing and structure used in many trailers where a quiet
opening builds to a punch in the music followed rapid action and a falling
away to quiet sounds and credits at the end.