Elements of
Plot
Barry 2010
Plot
• The plot is the action or sequence of
events in a novel, short story, play, or
narrative poem.
• The plot is “what happens” in a story.
• The plot gives a story interest, suspense,
and structure.
• Most plots follow the same basic
structure with the same elements.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• Freytag’s pyramid describes a story’s plot in terms
of five parts.
• This graphic organizer matches the structure of a
typical plot—the climax is the high point,
surrounded by rising and falling action.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• The exposition is the beginning of the story that
provides the reader with background information.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• The rising action is the action of the story that builds
toward the high point.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• The climax or crisis is the high point of the plot with
the highest emotion, intensity, or suspense.
• Often the climax occurs much closer to the end than
the beginning.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• The falling action is the action of the story after the
climax that leads toward the resolution of the
conflict.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org
Freytag’s pyramid
climax/crisis
rising action
exposition
falling action
resolution/denouement
• The resolution or denouement is the action
during which the conflict is resolved and the
story comes to an end.
Adapted from Traci Gardner, readwritethink.org