Play Making.'

Freytag's Pyramid

  • Plot

    • The author's arrangement of incidents in the story.

  • Freytag's Pyramid

    • A diagram of the structure of a five-act tragedy, introduced by Gustav Freytag.
    • Widely accepted (and often adapted) as a means of analyzing the structure of various types of fiction beyond just drama.

Structure of Freytag's Pyramid

  • The pyramid consists of seven steps, which can be grouped into four phases and three moments from beginning to end.

Hierarchical Breakdown of the Seven Steps

  1. Exposition
  2. Rising Action
  3. Inciting Moment
  4. Climax
  5. Falling Action
  6. Resolution
  7. Denouement

Detailed Explanation of Each Stage

Stage 1: Exposition

  • Definition:
    • The introductory material in a literary work.
    • Purpose:
    • Creates the tone of the story.
    • Provides the setting, introduces the characters, and supplies essential facts necessary for understanding the narrative.

Stage 2: Inciting Moment

  • Definition:
    • The event or force that instigates the rising action of a work of fiction.
    • Other Names:
    • Called the precipitating incident.
    • Also known as the exciting force or narrative hook.

Stage 3: Rising Action

  • Definition:
    • The segment of the dramatic action that deals with the complications of the narrative.
    • Characteristics:
    • Begins post-inciting moment, gaining momentum as opposing forces/ideas clash.
    • Leads up to the climax.
    • Can be referred to as the complication.

Stage 4: Climax

  • Definition:
    • The pivotal point in the narrative where the action turns; the crisis that marks a transition from rising action to falling action.
    • Alternate Term:
    • Sometimes referred to as the reversal.

Stage 5: Falling Action

  • Definition:
    • The latter half of the dramatic plot that follows the climax.
    • Characteristics:
    • Often showcases the winding down after the high tension of the climax.

Stage 6: Resolution

  • Definition:
    • The conclusion of the falling action, resolving the key conflicts in the narrative.
    • Important Note:
    • A resolution does not guarantee a happy ending.

Stage 7: Denouement

  • Definition:
    • Encompasses not just the resolution of conflicts, but also clarifies all the secrets and misunderstandings involved in the plot.
    • Functions in the Narrative:
    • Ties up loose ends.
    • Exposes any villains.
    • Rectifies any mistaken identities.
    • Reunites characters where necessary.

Character Traits

  • Understanding Characters:
    • When reading a story, observe the characters as if they were real individuals.
    • Traits to look for can include:
    • Adventurous
    • Unhappy
    • Greedy
    • Loving
    • Aggressive
    • Fearful

Big Ideas Regarding Characters

  • A character represents the "who" in the story.
  • Each character possesses various traits, roles, and similarities to other characters, influenced by description and actions within the narrative.
  • Character traits, actions, and roles may evolve throughout the story.

Types of Characters

  • Common Types Found in Literature:
    • Round Characters
    • Flat Characters
    • Dynamic Characters
    • Static Characters
    • Stereotypes

Round Characters

  • Definition:
    • Characters characterized by a variety of traits and complexities.
    • Can evolve and exhibit growth throughout the narrative.
    • Readers encounter multiple facets of round characters.

Flat Characters

  • Definition:
    • Only one aspect of their personality is showcased.
    • Typically, these characters are minor and reveal only one or two traits.
    • Often serve as contrasts to major characters.

Dynamic Characters

  • Definition:
    • Characters who undergo development and change throughout the story.
  • Examples:
    • Ebenezer Scrooge evolves from a greedy, unhappy individual to a generous and loving persona.
    • Gru transitions from a villain attempting world destruction to a nurturing father.

Static Characters

  • Definition:
    • One-dimensional characters revealing only a singular side of their personality.
    • Remain unchanged throughout the narrative.
    • Offer little depth or growth for readers—often categorized as flat characters.

Stereotypes

  • Definition:

    • Characters that embody common, generalized traits that frequently recur in disparate stories.
    • Known primarily by their actions and behaviors.
    • The author often relies on prior exposure to these stereotypes, allowing readers to infer additional characteristics without extensive description.

  • Example in Context:

    • A character might say, "I'M HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR…. VOTE!" suggesting a manipulative persona based on familiar stereotypes.