Dec 13, 2024
Narrative Arc: How to tell better stories
Have you ever wonder why your favourite movie is your favourite movie? Or why some specific episode of your favourite show made you hallucinate? Well, here you would find the answer or at least some new knowledge that will allow you to understand why you like the stories you like.
by Karla Silvas
(original post wrote in 2021, updated version in 2024)
Every great story has a rhythm—a heartbeat that keeps us hooked from beginning to end. This rhythm is called the Narrative Arc, also known as Freytag’s Pyramid or Freytag’s Triangle. It’s a storytelling structure that has stood the test of time, guiding us through a journey of emotions, challenges, and resolutions.
Developed by German novelist and playwright Gustav Freytag in 1863, this model isn’t just for novels or plays anymore. It’s everywhere: from blockbuster movies and binge-worthy TV shows to marketing campaigns and even viral social media content.
So, what makes this structure so powerful? Let’s break it down.
The Five Stages of the Narrative Arc
The Narrative Arc takes us through five key stages that create a seamless and captivating journey. Think of it as the blueprint for storytelling magic:
Exposition
Every story needs a solid foundation. This is where we set the scene, introduce the characters, and build the world. Whether it’s the dusty streets of an Old West town or the bustling chaos of a futuristic city, this stage lays the groundwork for everything to come. It’s also where we start to understand the motivations and backstories of the characters.Rising Action
Here’s where things start to get interesting. The plot kicks off, often with a problem or mission. Conflict brews, challenges arise, and tension builds. Think of this stage as the climb up a rollercoaster—you can feel the excitement mounting.Climax
The moment of truth! The climax is the high point of tension, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge. It could be a battle with an external antagonist or an internal struggle with their own fears, doubts, or desires. Decisions made here have lasting consequences, shaping the rest of the story.Falling Action
After the storm comes the calm—or at least the beginning of it. In this stage, we see the fallout from the climax. Characters grow, lessons are learned, and the story begins to shift toward resolution.Denouement
And then, it all comes together. The loose ends are tied, the lessons linger, and we’re left with a sense of closure. Whether it’s a triumphant ending or a bittersweet one, the denouement leaves us reflecting on the journey we’ve just experienced.
Why the Narrative Arc Works (And Why You Should Pay Attention to It)
You might have come across variations of this model online—sometimes with seven stages instead of five. These extra steps often overlap with Rising Action and Denouement, but the core idea remains the same: it’s all about guiding your audience through highs and lows, tension and release.
In complex stories, you’ll notice that the arc isn’t just a single pyramid. Instead, it becomes a series of peaks and valleys, where each climax leads to a new exposition, building toward a final, satisfying resolution. It’s like a symphony, with moments of intensity followed by calm, keeping us emotionally invested until the very last note.
A Real-World Example: The Mandalorian
To see the Narrative Arc in action, let’s dive into The Mandalorian (Season 1), one of my favorite shows. The structure is crystal clear in the first few episodes: each climax builds into a new exposition, keeping the stakes high and the tension palpable. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, where every decision, every challenge, and every revelation contributes to the larger arc.
Take a look at this image, where I’ve highlighted key moments in the story. You’ll see how the actions rise, reach a climax, and fall, creating a rhythm that keeps us glued to the screen.
(Image Note: Zoom in to see how the stages unfold episode by episode!)
As you can see, the first 3–4 episodes form a large Freytag’s Pyramid. After each climax, instead of immediately resolving, the story escalates with new expositions. But once we hit the ultimate high point of tension, the narrative begins to cool down, resolving conflicts and bringing us closer to the goal of the Mandalorian’s journey.
Your Turn: Spot the Arc in Your Favorite Stories
Now that you know about the Narrative Arc, take a moment to reflect. Think about your favorite movie, show, or book. Can you spot this structure? Did the story’s flow keep you hooked from start to finish?
Whether you’re a writer, a creator, or just someone who loves a good story, understanding the Narrative Arc can transform how you consume and craft stories. So, the next time you’re captivated by a gripping plot or a brilliant ad campaign, you’ll know the secret behind its success.
References
Chey, E., 2021. Freytag’s Pyramid: 7 Elements, 5 Cool Examples of Dramatic Structure. [online] ClearVoice. Available at: <https://www.clearvoice.com/blog/what-is-freytags-pyramid-dramatic-structure/> [Accessed May 2021]
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. Gustav Freytag | German writer. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gustav-Freytag> [Accessed May 2021]
Lupton, E., 2017. Design is storytelling. 1st ed. New York: Smithsonian Design Museum
Es.wikipedia.org. 2021. The Mandalorian — Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre. [online] Available at: <https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mandalorian#Temporada_2> [Accessed 31 May 2021]
