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To demonstrate my understanding of the parts of a narrative structure.
To show imaginative and effective use of themes and characters in a piece of creative writing.

To understand and demonstrate the use of narrative structure when creating an engaging story.

Learning Objective

Success Criteria

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Exposition - introduces the characters, their relationship to one another and their desires.
Rising action - involves the build-up of events, usually triggered by a problem or conflict.
Climax - the turning point at which our main character does or realises something that guides them towards the conclusion of their story.
Falling action - events leading to resolution.
Resolution - problems are solved and the conflict is over.

Freytag’s Pyramid

Gustav Freytag was a German writer. In 1863, he further developed Aristotle’s centuries-old theory that every story should have a beginning, a middle and an end.

Exposition

Climax

Rising action

Falling action

Resolution

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What are the dilemmas in Act I, Scene 1 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

Think, Pair, Share

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The Two Masks of Drama

Dilemma = Drama

In Shakespeare’s time, the only other recognised genre was history �(plays based on historical events and figures, e.g. Henry V).

Comedy

has a happy ending:

All’s Well That Ends Well

Tragedy

has a sad ending:

Romeo and Juliet

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In the beginning…

The Dance of the Lovers

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Happy ending…

The Dance of the Lovers

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We left our young lovers as they entered the woods. Using what you already know, your task is to continue the story, explaining how the characters reach their happy ending.

We are primarily concerned with plot structure, so keep it simple and fairy tale-like.

You are allowed to introduce up to five �new characters.

The title of the play might provide you with some ideas - what images does it conjure?

Remember where we are on Freytag’s Pyramid - there may yet be a bigger dilemma.

Let your imaginations run wild!

So How Do We Get to This?

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“I liked… because…”

“…was a good idea because…”

“…might have been even better if…”

Time to hear some of your stories.

Two Stars and a Wish

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