The Shape of a Story

The basic structure of plot. This format features five stages: (1) exposition, (2) rising action, (3) climax, (4) falling action, (5) conclusion.

• rising action

• falling action

• Freytag's Pyramid

• exposition

The increase of tension within a story; rising action drives the plot toward the climax.

• suspense

• rising action

• exposition

• falling action

The gradual release of tension following the climax of a story.

• flashback

• exposition

• rising action

• falling action

The rate at which a story moves forward.

• suspense

• pacing

• falling action

• climax

A struggle or problem.

• conflict

• external conflict

• tension

• internal conflict

The final resolution or ending of a story.

• rising action

• exposition

• conclusion

• falling action

The suspense produced by a conflict or problem that has not yet been solved.

• internal conflict

• conflict

• external conflict

• tension

A point in a story that shows something that happened earlier.

• flashback

• suspense

• falling action

• exposition

The beginning of a plot, in which characters are introduced and setting is established.

• rising action

• exposition

• suspense

• falling action

A series of events that makes up "what happens" in a story.

• plot

• pacing

• flashback

• suspense