Freytag's Pyramid is a model for plotting a story structure. It consists of seven stages: exposition introduces characters and setting, the inciting moment sets the rising action in motion, rising action builds conflict, the climax is the turning point, falling action follows the climax, resolution solves the conflict, and denouement ties up loose ends. Freytag's Pyramid is widely used to analyze story structure in drama and other forms of fiction.

1. The Structure of Plot

2. • Plot
– the author’s arrangement of incidents in
the story
• Freytag’s Pyramid
– a diagram of the structure of a five-act
tragedy, given by Gustav Freytag
– widely accepted (and sometimes adapted)
as a means of analyzing the structure of
many kinds of fiction in addition to drama.

3. The pyramid is made up of seven steps –
four phases and three moments from
beginning to end.

4. • Exposition
– the introductory material, which often creates the
tone. Gives the setting, introduces the characters,
and supplies other facts necessary for
understanding
Stage 1

5. • Inciting Moment
– the event or force that sets in motion the rising
action of a work of fiction. Also called the
precipitating incident, exciting force or narrative
hook.
Stage 2

6. • Rising Action
– the part of the dramatic action that has to do with the
complication of the action. Begins with the inciting
moment, gains interest or power as the opposing
groups/ideas come into conflict, and proceeds to the
climax. It can also be called the complication.
Stage 3

7. • Climax
– the turning point in the action, the crisis at which
the rising action reverses and becomes the falling
action. Sometimes called the reversal.
Stage 4

8. • Falling Action
– the second half of the dramatic plot. It
follows the climax and often exhibits the
winding down of the climax.
Stage 5

9. • Resolution
– the end of the falling action and the
solution of the conflict. The resolution is not
always a happy ending.
Stage 6

10. • Denouement
– involves not only the resolution of the conflict but an
explanation of all the secrets and misunderstandings
connected with the plot; the tying up of loose ends,
exposure of a villain, clearing up a mistaken identity,
reuniting characters, etc.
Stage 7