narrative structure (comedy & tragedy)
DESCRIPTION
In addition to somewhat predictable character behaviors, comedies and tragedies also adhere to specific narrative structures. They also generally include associated tropes. After viewing this slideshow, you will be more familiar with the structures of comedy and tragedy, and will have all the tools you need to begin thinking about writing your own.TRANSCRIPT
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
Photo Credit: [DustyBricks]
Comedy and Tragedy
Photo Credit: Project Azazel
all CHARACTERS MAKE A JOURNEY
“There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened
before.
”-Willa Cather
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
adapted from Gustav Freytag’s Technik des Dramas (1863)Photo Credit: thedot
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
INCITING MOMENT
EXPO
SITI
ON
“Exposition consists of early material providing the
theme, establishing the setting, and introducing
major characters and early hints of coming conflict.
”
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
RISI
NG A
CTIO
N
“”Rising action is an increase in tension developing from the
conflict of the protagonist (tragic hero).
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
“The climax is the moment of greatest tension.
” COM
PLIC
ATIO
N
CLIMAX
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
REVERSAL “The reversal is when the protagonist’s fortune
changes irrecoverably for the worse, frequently
caused by the tragic hero's most admirable trait.
”
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
ANAGO
RISIS “During the anagorisis, the tragic hero will verbalize his or her tragic error in a moment of recognition.
”
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
FALLING ACTIO
N “During the falling action, earlier tragic force causes further failing of the hero, culminating in the final
catastrophe and emotional purgation in the audience.
”
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
“The catastrophe often spirals outward due to an
earlier choice, causing suffering of the hero and
often those the hero wants to protect.
”MOMENT OF
LAST SUSPENSE
CATASTROPHE
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
“After the moment of last suspense, the
denouement unwinds tension and provides
closure.
”MOMENT OF
LAST SUSPENSE
CATASTROPHE
tragedy
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
Photo Credit: MacLane
comedy
(adapted)
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
CAN BE ANYONE“”A comedic hero can be anyone. Being human,
they will begin with defects such as excessive
pride, anger, or vanity. They will also desire
something or someone.
EXPO
SITI
ON
comedy
(adapted)
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
CONF
USIO
N
“”
comedy
(adapted)
A confusion, miscommunication,
frustration, or other event gets in the way of the
protagonist's desire while he or she is on the way to
that desire.
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
“”
The climax is the moment of greatest confusion or
complication, usually disastrous for the protagonist. The
protagonist shows human weakness and limitation,
usually in front of a crowd. FU
RTHE
R CO
MPL
ICAT
ION
CLIMAX
comedy
(adapted)
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
REVERSAL “”
comedy
(adapted)
The reversal is when the protagonist’s fortune
changes for the better. This may be caused by what
was the comic hero’s most prominent character
weakness or limitation.
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
ANAGO
RISIS “”
comedy
(adapted)
During the anagorisis, the comic hero will verbalize the possibility of reaching or acquiring what he or
she desires in a moment of recognition.
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
RESOLUTIO
N OR ACCEPTANCE “”
comedy
(adapted)
Resolution or acceptance occurs after
the climax. The protagonist either resolves the
confusion or complication, or learns to accept himself
or herself despite the complication.
FREYTAG’S PYRAMID
“”CELEBRATION
comedy
The celebration of the comic protagonist or his or
her actions occurs after climax is resolved or
accepted.
(adapted)
active plotsGIVE STORIES
VALUE
Photo Credit: JD Hancock
TAKE NOTE OF SIMILARITIES IN PLOTS
Photo Credit: JD Hancock
CAN'T SAVE POOR WRITING
good STRUCTURE
Photo Credit: Ezractly
control yourPLOT
Photo Credit: R D L
move yourHERO
FORWARDPhoto Credit: Julius No