Plot Structure of Shakespearean Tragedies

Act I: Introduction, Initiating Incident, and Rising Action

Act II: Rising Action
Act III: Rising Action, Climax, and Falling Action
Act IV: Falling Action
Act V: Moment of Final Suspense and Catastrophe

Introduction: the general atmosphere, time and place, main character, and the opening conditions
of the play.
Initiating Incident: the event or action that starts the conflict and action of the play.
Rising Action: this series of events leading to the climax, covering more than one act. During the
rising action the hero of the play, the protagonist, is the active force, trying to make things work
out as he or she intends.
Climax: the highest point of action in the play; at this point there is always a change in the
protagonist, who from this point forward seems to be following a downward path; things begin
to go against the protagonist at this point.
Falling Action: the series of events following the climax that also covers several scenes; most of the
events start to go against the protagonist and in favour of the antagonist; the conflict between
protagonist and antagonist becomes the essence of the play.
Moment of Final Suspense: close to the end of the play, usually found in the fifth act; has a
particular function in the organization of the plot it is the moment when things look like they will
go the way of the protagonist after all; the protagonist momentarily believes that tragedy will be
averted.
Catastrophe: this happens at the end of the play; it is the total and complete downfall of the
protagonist, either through death or another devastating circumstance.
Tragedy Plot Structure – Romeo and Juliet
Climax
Romeo KILLS Tybalt

Rising Action Falling Action

Romeo and Juliet profess their love during balcony scene Romeo learns of Juliet’s death
Romeo and Juliet MARRY Romeo buys illegal poison from the Apothecary
Romeo runs in Tybalt

Moment of Final Suspense

Inciting Force (Things may work out)

Romeo notices that Juliet is unchanged in

Romeo and Juliet meet at the Capulet Masquerade
death
party

Exposition Catastrophe
Feuding street fight between Capulet and Montague Families Romeo and Juliet BOTH DIE and the feud ends
Romeo SAD Rosaline is not interested in him
Juliet told to marry Paris (an older man)
Plot Structure of Shakespearean Tragedies Name: ______________
Block: _____

Fill in the following tragedy plot structure sheet. Provide as much information and detail as
possible for each of the parts. For the Rising and Falling action sections you must fill in the
blank with the three most important events that occur. You must deice what the most important
events in each section are. Be prepared to defend your choices.

1. Exposition:
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2. Initiating Incident:
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3. Rising Action:
I. __________________________________________________________
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II. _________________________________________________________
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III. _________________________________________________________
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4. Climax or Turning Point:

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5. Falling Action:
I. __________________________________________________________
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II. _________________________________________________________
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III. _________________________________________________________
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6. Moment of Final Suspense:

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7. Catastrophe:
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