Freytag's and Story Circle

Freytag’s Pyramid

A model of dramatic structure (by Gustav Freytag) dividing a story into 5 parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.

Exposition

Beginning of the story introducing characters, setting, background, and tone.

Inciting Incident

Event that disrupts the ordinary world and sets conflict in motion.

Rising Action

Series of events/complications building tension and developing conflict.

Climax

Turning point of highest tension; decisive moment sealing protagonist’s fate.

Falling Action

Events after climax where consequences unfold toward resolution.

Resolution / Denouement

End of the story where conflicts resolve and final outcomes appear.

Story Circle

An 8-step storytelling model (based on Hero’s Journey) focused on character transformation.

“You”

Character introduced in ordinary world with desires/flaws.

“Need”

Character faces an unmet need or desire.

“Go”

Character enters unfamiliar situation or leaves comfort zone.

“Search”

Character adapts to new situation, facing trials.

“Find”

Character finds what they sought (object, truth, realization).

“Take”

Character pays a price, makes sacrifice, or confronts flaws.

“Return”

Character returns to original world/situation.

“Change”

Character emerges transformed with new wisdom/perspective.