Elements of Plot

We all know what a plot is, it’s the development of a story. Its progression from start to finish. But, what parts make up a plot? What themes are present in all stories if you look closely enough? That’s what the next few posts will be looking at; but for this introductory post to the theme of plot, I’m going to be giving an overview.

Dramatic Structure

While originally designed as an analysis of dramatic works like plays and screenplays, Gustav Freytag’s study of ancient Greek and Shakespearean drama is probably the most readily noticeable structure for plots - both for plays and ’standard’ literature.

It incorporates five acts: Exposition (introduction), Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Conclusion (listed as ‘denouement’). Each of these ’sections’ will be looked at in more detail over the next couple of weeks, but I’ll be giving a brief overview now.

Introduction

This is the beginning of the story, where characters and the world are introduced, background information is offered, and your readers are made ready for the next sections. Your introduction gives the setting and reasons for the upcoming conflict.

Rising Action

The build-up to the climax, the Rising Action ‘phase’ takes all the information from the Introduction and moves it forward towards the Climax. Other side-plots are generally introduced here and add to the final conflict.

Climax

This is the point at which the story has thus far been reaching towards - the key point in the story where there is a turning point in the situation.

Falling Action

This shows the immediate effects of the Climax, and generally finalises the victory - or loss - of the protagonist against the antagonist.

Conclusion

The final, closing section of a plot, the Conclusion ends all ‘loose ends’ and shows the changes from the start of the story. “And they lived happily ever after…”

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Obviously, these are only scant offerings of explanations, but all will be explained in more detail as we continue on. I’ll be making reference to Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ when writing my more detailed articles on plot. Hopefully a lot of you would have either read the books or seen the movies, so will have at least a rough knowledge of the general plot involved.

Feedback?

Do you know of this structure already? If so, what are your thoughts? If not, what structures do you use, or notice, when looking at plots? Your thoughts, methodologies and ideas are all welcome, and part of my own writer’s journey. So, give your input!