The document discusses the concept of plot as an essential component of tragedy, referencing Aristotle's definition and importance of plot structure. It emphasizes that a tragic plot must have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and explores the characteristics of simple versus complex plots, as well as the laws of probability and necessity in plot development. Additionally, it includes a reference to Freytag’s pyramid as a framework for understanding plot structure.

1. Plot, part of Tragedy
• Presented by Komal Shahedadpuri
• Smt.S.B Gardi Department of
English MKBU
• Presentation Topic- Plot ,part of
Tragedy
• Paper no-3 Literary Theory &
Criticism : Western -1
• M.A Sem-1
• Roll no -21
• Batch -2016-2018
• Email Id- komaltara1311@gmail.com
• Enrolment No- 2069108420170027

2. Definition of Tragedy
• “ A Tragedy is an imitation of an
action that is serious and also,
as having Magnitude complete in
itself, in appropriate and pleasurable
language… in a dramatic rather than
narrative form , with incidents
arousing Pity and Fear on the part
of Audience wherewith to accomplish
a catharsis of these Emotions.”

4. What is Plot ?
• Plot is the most important
part of Tragedy and is the
“first principle” or Soul of
Tragedy.
• Aristotle defines Plot as “the
Harmonious arrangement of the
incidents in a logical sequence ,
not story itself but the way the
incidents are presented to the
audience, the structure of the Play.

5. Plots will have qualities
• The plot must be a “whole” with
Beginning , Middle and end.
• The Plot must be “complete” having
“unity of Action”.
• The Plot must be “of a certain
Magnitude” , both quantitatively
and qualitatively.

6. Continue…
• The Plot may be either Simple or Complex
1) Simple plots have only a “change of Fortune”
2) Complex have “ reversal of intention (peripeteria)
and “recognition” (anagnorisis)
• Aristotle goes to the extent of saying that “without
action there cannot be a Tragedy , there may be
without Character”.
• Reversal and Discovery are most powerful means for
Tragic effect is part of Plot, not of a Character

7. Law of Probability and Necessity
• Probability
• No incidents or
Character should be
Superfluous , the
events introduce
must be such as are
probable under the
Circumstances.
• Necessity
• There must be a
Causal connection
between the various
events and
incidents.
• They must follow
each other Naturaly
and inevitably.

8. Plot diagram and Freytag’s Pyramid