Plot

Although plot is defined as “what happens in a narrative,” in reality, more importantly, it is the conflicts that occur amidst a series of events.  The plot of a story is more engaging when these conflicts build on each other. The standard format for a plot occurs in the following 5 steps: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. There is a certain symmetry to stories that follow this format for the plot. However, others stories may deviate from this format for emphasis. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo & Juliet, the following format is utilized:

Exposition- A fight breaks out in the streets of Verona between two feuding families, namely, the Capulets and the Montagues. Romeo and Benvolio are Montagues, who decide to attend the Capulet Masquerade Ball. The Ball is intended for Capulet to introduce his daughter, Juliet, to Paris.

Rising action- At the Ball, Romeo sees Juliet at a distance and instantly falls in love with her. Without knowing each other’s identities, they kissed. Upon finding out that each of them are from feuding families, they become disillusioned by their actions. - Upon leaving the Masquerade, Romeo sneaks into the Capulet garden because he is not able or willing to leave Juliet behind.  He hears Juliet calling his name from her balcony. They both exchange love vows. 

Climax- One night Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s bedroom, and they finally able to consummate their love and marriage.  However, they are unable to share this news with their family.

Falling action- The eve before Juliet is suppose to marry Paris, she must drink a poison that will make her appear dead. After she is left to rest in the crypt, Romeo and the Friar will retrieve her, and she will live freely with Romeo.  Unaware of the plan, Romeo hears about Juliet’s “death.” Thinking its real, he decides to kill himself rather than live without her. Juliet wakes up from her “death” and sees that Romeo has killed himself.  She ultimately stabs herself with a dagger and dies.

Denouement- After seeing the harm their feud has caused, the Capulets and Montagues decide to end their long-standing feud.