For writers, mastering the art of storytelling means understanding how to shape a narrative that resonates with readers. One of the most enduring and widely referenced frameworks in storytelling is Freytag’s Pyramid. Developed in the 19th century by German novelist and playwright Gustav Freytag, the model outlines a five-part structure for dramatic narratives, especially in classical and literary storytelling. While originally designed to analyse Greek and Shakespearean drama, Freytag’s Pyramid remains a useful tool for modern writers in any genre.

This article breaks down the five stages of the pyramid, exploring how each contributes to a story’s momentum and emotional impact. Whether you’re writing novels, screenplays, short stories or plays, understanding this structure can help you craft more compelling narratives.

1. Exposition: Setting the Stage

The first phase of Freytag’s Pyramid is the exposition. This is where the foundation of the story is laid. The writer introduces the main characters, establishes the setting and begins to define the tone. Crucially, the exposition also presents the status quo – the normal state of affairs before anything has gone awry.

A strong exposition does more than describe. It draws readers in and gives them a reason to care. Effective exposition often hints at deeper conflicts or unresolved questions, planting the seeds of intrigue that will grow as the plot unfolds.

In contemporary writing, especially in novels and film, this phase tends to be leaner and more dynamic than in older works. Readers today expect to be immersed quickly, so it’s important to weave exposition seamlessly into action and dialogue rather than relying solely on description or backstory.

2. Rising Action: Building Tension

Once the groundwork is established, the story enters the rising action. This is where things begin to shift. A conflict is introduced – either internal (within the protagonist) or external (between characters or forces) – and the stakes start to rise.

The rising action is the engine room of your story. It should contain a series of events, complications and smaller conflicts that drive the narrative forward. Each moment should build on the last, increasing tension and deepening character motivations.

One of the keys to an effective rising action is escalation. Problems become more complex, choices become harder and consequences become more severe. Along the way, readers become more emotionally invested in the outcome. This section can take up a large portion of your story, and it often includes subplots or character arcs that complement the central conflict.

3. Climax: The Turning Point

At the peak of the pyramid sits the climax – the moment of highest tension and emotional intensity. This is the point at which the main conflict reaches a breaking point, and the story is changed irrevocably.

The climax is usually marked by a major decision, revelation or confrontation. It tests the protagonist to their limits and often forces them to face their greatest fear or weakness. It’s also the moment that everything has been building towards.

In a well-crafted story, the climax feels both surprising and inevitable. It’s a payoff for the rising action, but it also redefines the direction of the story. The character might win, lose or experience a mix of both, but the world of the story won’t return to the way it was before.

4. Falling Action: Unravelling the Consequences

After the climax, the story moves into the falling action. This stage explores the immediate aftermath of the climactic events. Tensions begin to ease, loose ends are tied up and the impact of the protagonist’s choices becomes clear.

The falling action is sometimes overlooked by new writers, but it plays a vital role in giving the story emotional depth. It allows characters to reflect, relationships to shift and the audience to process what has happened.

Importantly, the falling action shouldn’t drag. It needs to maintain momentum while guiding the reader towards a satisfying resolution. It’s a time for resolution, not inaction.

5. Denouement: The Resolution

The final stage of Freytag’s Pyramid is the denouement, which is a French term meaning “to untie”. This is the moment where all remaining threads of the story are resolved, and the characters settle into a new equilibrium.

Depending on the story, the denouement can be triumphant, tragic or somewhere in between. It doesn’t always mean a “happy ending”, but it does bring closure. The protagonist’s journey is complete, and the audience is left with a sense of understanding.

In some genres, especially thrillers or horror, the denouement might include a twist or a hint at future conflict. In others, such as literary fiction, it might focus more on emotional or philosophical reflection. Either way, it’s a chance to let the story breathe and leave a lasting impression.

Modern Adaptations and Flexibility

While Freytag’s Pyramid is a useful guide, it’s not a rigid formula. Many modern stories, especially those in film or genre fiction, play with the order, pacing or focus of the five stages. Some stories start in the middle of the action and fill in the exposition later. Others skip the falling action almost entirely, opting for a quick punch of an ending.

Still, even in these cases, the core principles of the pyramid often remain. Audiences crave a sense of build-up, payoff and resolution. Understanding the classical model helps writers recognise what’s missing if a story feels flat or unsatisfying.

Why Freytag’s Pyramid Still Matters

For writers, Freytag’s Pyramid is more than an academic relic. It’s a reminder that stories have rhythm and shape, and that this shape helps audiences engage, feel and remember. Whether you follow it closely or use it as a loose framework, this structure can help you pace your narrative and ensure your characters face meaningful change.

When planning or revising your next story, take a moment to map it against the pyramid. Ask yourself where the turning point really lies, whether the stakes build effectively and if the resolution delivers emotional payoff. In doing so, you’ll be honouring a tradition of storytelling that has stood the test of time while crafting something that’s uniquely your own.