ELEMENTS OF A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY

EXPOSITION

Time and place is established Main characters, their positions,

circumstances, and relationships to one another are revealed

Sets up the mood and conditions Act IExposition

Exposition

EXCITING FORCE

This is what gets the plot going It begins the conflict which will

continue in the play Also called the complication or

initial incident Act I

Exciting Force

Exciting Force

RISING ACTION

The series of conflicts which lead up to the climax of the play

Acts I, II, and IIIRising Action

Rising Action

CLIMAX

The turning point of the play Act III

Climax

Climax

FALLING ACTION

The consequences of the turning point occur

New conflicts may result Occurs over several acts Acts III, IV, and V

Falling Action

Falling Action

CATASTROPHE

The play concludes with the hero’s death

The hero must die for divine retribution

Act V

Catastrophe

Catastrophe