Freytag's Pyramid

“Freytag’s pyramid is a visual device to help you grasp the rough shape of narrative… At the base of the pyramid you have exposition, or the information you nee to know to get into the story. On the left side of the pyramid you get rising action… At it’s peak is the climax.. and then it sinks back down to the far side with falling action and denouement.” - Chuck Wendig

In storytelling and narrative design, few models are as frequently mentioned as Freytag's Pyramid. Named after the 19th-century German playwright Gustav Freytag, this model has been a staple of literary studies for decades, offering a simplified structure to help writers visualize the shape of a narrative. However, as helpful as it is, Freytag's Pyramid should not be seen as an all-encompassing guide but as a foundation to build upon and adapt to your unique storytelling needs.

What is Freytag's Pyramid?

Freytag's Pyramid breaks down the traditional narrative structure into five key elements:

1. Exposition: This is where the reader is introduced to the characters, setting, and initial situation of the story. This foundation gives readers the information they need to understand the context of the narrative.
2. Rising action: Tension and conflict develop as the story progresses. The story's stakes become more evident, and the challenges facing the protagonist begin to mount.
3. Climax: This is the story's turning point, usually the most intense moment. It's where the central conflict reaches its height, and the story's outcome hangs in the balance.
4. Falling action: After the climax, tension decreases as the story winds down. Conflicts are resolved, and the story begins to move towards its conclusion.
5. Denouement: The final part of the story, where any remaining loose ends are tied up, reveals the outcome of the story's events.

The limitations of Freytag's Pyramid

While Freytag's Pyramid is a helpful starting point for understanding narrative structure, it has limitations. As author Chuck Wendig points out, Freytag's model is more emblematic of plot than it is of the holistic concept of story. A story is a complex blend of character development, theme exploration, world-building, and emotional arcs, all of which may not adhere strictly to the ascent and descent of Freytag's Pyramid.

Moreover, Freytag's Pyramid suggests a single linear path, whereas many stories feature multiple peaks and troughs, creating a narrative rollercoaster rather than a simple pyramid. A static pyramid model struggles to capture the complexity and fluidity of narrative progression.

Seeing narrative in three dimensions

Narrative is not a two-dimensional entity that simply ascends and descends. Instead, it's more like a rollercoaster ride with rises, falls, twists, and turns. As Wendig suggests, if we start thinking about stories in three dimensions, we can appreciate the multiplicity of narrative paths and the richness they bring to our stories.

A more complex narrative structure might include numerous climaxes or turning points, reflecting the real-life ups and downs that people experience. These multiple climaxes can add depth and realism to the story, creating a narrative that is much more engaging and relatable to readers.

The journey beyond the pyramid

Freytag's Pyramid is a valuable tool for new writers learning the basics of narrative structure. However, it is essential to remember that it is just a guide, not a rulebook. As you grow in your writing journey, you'll find that the best stories often bend, break, or entirely ignore traditional narrative structures. They craft unique narrative rollercoasters, offering unexpected twists and turns that keep readers gripped until the end. The pyramid is not the destination but merely a stepping stone in the intricate art of storytelling.

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References

1. Wendig, Chuck.

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