There are so many screenwriting terms out there, and I find that some of the older ones are the best to learn. The reason is they can help reveal classical understandings of story and structure that can revive what you're working on now -- like Freytag's Pyramid. It's a tool that continues to guide screenwriters in crafting captivating and emotionally satisfying stories even after its founding in the 19th century. Today, we'll go over the term, look at its definition, and talk about how writers can use it to their advantage. Let's dive in. What is Freytag's Pyramid?Freytag's Pyramid is a model of dramatic structure that outlines the typical stages of a story. It's named after Gustav Freytag, a 19th-century German novelist and playwright, who analyzed classic dramas and identified this common pattern.Here are the five key elements of Freytag's Pyramid:Exposition:Sets the scene.Introduces the main characters, setting, and the central conflict or problem.Rising Action:The tension builds as the characters encounter obstacles and complications.The stakes increase, drawing the audience further into the story.Climax:The peak of tension and the turning point of the story.It often involves a major confrontation, decision, or a significant turning point.Falling Action:The consequences of the climax unfold.Tension starts to decrease, but there might still be unresolved issues.Denouement (Resolution):The story concludes.Conflicts get resolved, questions are answered, and the audience gets a sense of closure.Why is it shaped like a pyramid? The visual shape helps illustrate the rising and falling tension within a story. It builds towards a peak (the...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 14 March, 2024