Storytelling is an art that has evolved over centuries, yet the core principles of engaging narratives remain consistent. One of the most influential models for structuring a story is Freytag’s Pyramid, a story-writing framework developed by German playwright and novelist Gustav Freytag in the 19th century. This story structure breaks down a story into five key stages, helping writers create strong story plots that captivate readers. Whether you’re a novelist, screenwriter, or content creator, understanding Freytag’s Pyramid can enhance your storytelling skills to the best of your ability.
What is Freytag’s Pyramid Story Structure: Let’s Understand the Concept
Freytag’s Pyramid is a five-part dramatic structure that outlines the rise and fall of tension in a narrative. Originally designed to analyze classical tragedies, it has since been adapted for all forms of storytelling, including novels, films, and even marketing content. The five stages are:
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Denouement(Resolution)
Each stage plays a crucial role in developing a well-rounded and engaging story.
The difference between the Five ACT Story Structure and Freytag’s Pyramid
Writers often confuse the Five Act story structure with Freytag’s Pyramid story structure. While both are popular narrative frameworks, they differ in structure, origin, and how they emphasize different parts of a story.
| Aspect | Five-Act Story Structure | Freytag’s Pyramid |
| Structure | Divides the story into five distinct acts: 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution | Divides the story into five parts, but in a more pyramid-like progression: 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Catastrophe (Denouement) |
| Focus | Balanced structure that equally emphasizes all acts. | Focuses heavily on the climax (same as the Three-act structure) as the turning point, with a sharp rise and fall in tension. |
| Climax Placement | Occurs in the middle of Act 3, with two acts following to show the consequences. | The climax is the highest peak of the pyramid, followed by a quick decline. |
| Resolution | Ends with a satisfying or open-ended resolution. | Ends with a catastrophe or downfall (often used in tragedies). |
| Usage | Common in plays, novels, and TV series, especially for character-driven stories. | Common in tragedies or classical literature. |
| Emotional Impact | A balanced emotional journey with both highs and lows. | Focuses more on tension and downfall. |
What to Choose?
- If you’re writing a story with both conflict and resolution, the Five Act Structure is more flexible.
- If your story is a tragedy or has a rise-and-fall narrative, Freytag’s Pyramid will help you build emotional tension and deliver a powerful ending.
Element in Freytag’s Pyramid Story Structure
1. Exposition (Introduction)
The exposition or story beginning serves as the foundation of the story, introducing characters, setting, and the initial situation. This is where the audience learns about the protagonist, their goals, and the world they inhabit. The exposition may also hint at the main conflict that will drive the story forward.
Example: In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the exposition introduces Harry, his miserable life with the Dursleys, and the revelation that he is a wizard.
2. Rising Action (Development of Conflict)
Once the groundwork is laid, the rising action begins. This stage is where the conflict intensifies through obstacles, challenges, and character development. Tension builds as the protagonist encounters complications that prevent them from achieving their goal.
Key elements of rising action:
- Introduction of antagonists or external forces
- Scenes and subplots that add complexity
- Increasing stakes and emotional investment
Example: In The Hunger Games, the rising action includes Katniss Everdeen preparing for the Games, forming alliances, and surviving in the arena.
3. Climax (Turning Point)
The climax of a story is the most intense and dramatic part of the story. It is the turning point where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge. This moment determines whether they will succeed or fail, often bringing about significant change in the character or plot direction.
Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the climax occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt, leading to a series of tragic consequences.
4. Falling Action (Aftermath of the Climax)
After the climax, the tension begins to decline. The protagonist deals with the consequences of their choices, and loose ends start to be tied up. This stage bridges the climax and the resolution of a story, guiding the readers toward the story’s conclusion.
Example: In The Lord of the Rings, the falling action occurs after Frodo destroys the One Ring, as Middle-earth begins to recover and characters return home.
5. Denouement (Resolution & Closure)
The denouement, also known as the resolution, brings closure to the story. The protagonist’s journey comes to an end, conflicts are resolved, and the readers are given a sense of completion. Some stories end with a clear resolution, while others leave room for interpretation.
Example: In The Great Gatsby, the denouement sees Nick Carraway reflecting on Gatsby’s tragic fate and the emptiness of the American Dream.
Example of Freytag’s Pyramid Story Structure with Quick Story
Now that we’ve almost resolved the entire concept of Freytag’s Pyramid, it’s time to dive into the most interesting part of this blog. Here’s a little backstory: when I first started learning about story or plot structures, my mind used to zone out every five minutes. It was hard to grasp these concepts without any easy examples. So, I made short stories for each structure (like the Fichtean Curve and Save the Cat Beats)— to understand them better. You can use this technique to outline your story or even write your first draft. It works surprisingly well!
Freytag’s Pyramid Story Structure
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Denouement
Story Example of Freytag’s Pyramid Story Structure
Exposition:
Elen, a little mute girl living on the edge of a forgotten village, begins hearing whispers from the cursed forest that has cast its shadow over the land for decades. Though her voice was never heard, the whispers speak to her alone — carrying secrets of an ancient betrayal.
Rising Action 1 (Inciting incident):
One chilly evening, as dusk settled, Elen heard the whispers change — no longer distant secrets but a warning of disaster approaching her village. Though she couldn’t speak, the voices begged her to act before the curse awakened once again.
Rising Action 2:
Elen follows the cursed creatures into the forest, the whispers pulling her deeper. Fear clutches her chest, but she keeps moving — the only one who can stop what’s coming.
Rising Action 3:
Hidden beneath tangled roots, Elen finds an old journal. Its faded pages reveal that only a voice born in silence can break the curse. The whispers fall still — waiting for her to believe in the voice she never knew she had.
4th Rising Action:
Guided by the whispers, Elen reaches an ancient enchanted tree bound to the curse. The air thickens around her as if the forest itself is holding its breath, waiting for her voice to awaken.
The Climax:
To break the curse, Elen must sing her ancestor’s song beneath the enchanted tree, risking her life to lift the curse. With trembling breath, she summons the courage buried within her silence. As her fragile voice breaks through the stillness, the forest stirs — hearing the song for the first time in centuries.
Falling Action 1:
The curse lifts. Slowly, at first — like the forest itself doesn’t believe it’s finally free. The thick, suffocating stillness cracks as the first breath of wind stirs through the branches. Leaves—dull and brittle just moments ago—soften.
Falling Action 2:
Elen loses the whispers, leaving her in silence. But when she speaks, her own voice rises — fragile, yet finally free.
Last Action:
Villagers witnessing the forest’s revival, begin to honor the land.
Denouement:
The curse is lifted, and Elen leaves the village to explore the now-healed forest, finding peace and new purposes.
Freytag’s Pyramid in Modern Storytelling
Although originally intended for classical tragedies, Freytag’s Pyramid applies to a wide range of narratives today. Films, television series, and even marketing campaigns often follow this structure to create compelling and emotionally engaging stories.
For Instance:
- Movies like Star Wars, Titanic, and Inception follow this structure.
- TV shows build tension over multiple episodes before reaching a climax in season finales.
- Brand storytelling in advertisements often introduces a problem (exposition), builds tension (rising action), and presents a solution (climax and resolution).
Why Writers Should Use Freytag’s Pyramid
- Provides a Clear Narrative Framework – Helps writers structure their stories logically and coherently.
- Enhances Emotional Engagement – Builds anticipation and emotional connection with the readers.
- Applies to Any Genre – Works for fiction, non-fiction, movies, plays, and even content marketing.
- Helps Identify Weak Points – Ensures every story has a strong beginning, middle, and end.
Conclusion
Freytag’s Pyramid is a powerful storytelling tool that has stood the test of time. By understanding and implementing this structure, writers can craft narratives that captivate readers, build emotional depth, and create impactful endings. Whether you’re writing a novel, a screenplay, or a compelling brand story, mastering this framework will elevate your storytelling skills.
So next time you start a story, ask yourself: Where does it fit within Freytag’s Pyramid? Understanding the answer could be the key to making your narrative unforgettable.