NARRATIVE PLOT ANALYSIS

PRTH 173

Understanding Plot Development or Basics of Plot Development

Writers typically follow the “5 Elements of Plot Structure” formula in developing narrative or story. Gustav Freytag wrote a book in 1863 entitled Technique of the Drama wherein he used Aristotle's concept of unity and action to develop what is now referred to as Freytag's Triangle or Freytag's Pyramid. This graphic representation of the flow of action of a story contains these 5 elements.

1. Exposition or Introduction or the Beginning

A story has a beginning. Those in the writing-teaching of writing craft refer to the beginning of a story as exposition or introduction. Here, the reader is introduced to certain characters and elements of the setting. In Bible stories, this is usually a verse or 2.

2. Rising Action: Introduction of the Tension Element or Problem or Conflict

Following close after the setting, is the tension element. This is usually a conflict of some kind of problem or issue facing the main characters. As the title infers, the plot-action rises or builds. In this portion of the story, the reader learns more about the characters as they try to deal with the problem. Additional details about the problem may come forth and challenges to the outworking of the solution are common threads in stories. The plot “thickens” as they say and builds to a place of climax in the story.

3. Climax or the High Point, or the Crisis or the Turning Point

The climax is the highest point of action in the story. Here, the problem is solved, the rescue is achieved or the victim is delivered. At this point, the reader is uncertain of the outcome of the story because of the twists, bad fortune, or opposition to the hero appears to be insurmountable. In biblical narrative, this is where God steps in and rescues or delivers someone. What possible action is higher or more tension-relieving than a divine rescue?

4. Falling Action or the Winding Down

Following the climax, the action of the story slowly winds down. Subsequent events are meant to continue the story’s flow of action, but the reader is able to let out a breath of relief and enjoy the peace and calm, knowing the worst is over.

5. Resolution or the Denouement, or the End

The resolution, (you may frequently see the French word, denouement, which means "to untie" or "to unravel"), is the conclusion of the story. Here, the missing information may be supplied and any unresolved mini-conflicts are cared for as well. It most always is the final scene of the story.

Due to the brevity of Hebrew story in the Scriptures, the action occurs at a rapid pace. These 5 elements are present, but the action moves through the various phases rather quickly.