What is the "Freytag's Pyramid" technique of writing? - The Magical Pink Diamond

Freytag’s Pyramid is a writing technique, crafted by the German novelist Gustav Freytag. The technique involves five key processes that writers can use to write everything from short stories to articles.

 

The first step is “Exposition.”

Exposition refers to the introduction of the subject, the setting up of the scene, and a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory.

The second step is “Rising Action”

Rising Action refers to “The development of the central conflict, problem, or interesting aspect.” This is where the tension builds, complexities are revealed, and the "plot" of the story/article unfolds through scenes, characters, research material, and anecdotes.

The third step is “climax”

Climax is the turning point or the most significant moment of revelation, insight, or development within the article's scope. It's often where the core question posed in the exposition is addressed, or a major challenge is confronted.

The 4^th step, “Falling Action,” implies the series of events that follow the climax, showing immediate consequences or implications.

The 5^th and the last step is “Resolution or denouement.” It refers to the conclusion, which often provides closure, summarizes key takeaways, or offers a final thought, a lingering question, or a look to the future.

 

Let’s understand this technique with the example of a story “The Magical Pink Diamond.”

 

The story opens with the introduction of a young queen named Leela, whose kingdom is teetering on the brink of war. This introduction and elaborate character sketch is the “Exposition” through which the reader meets the primary character and understands the motivating force that will trigger their curiosity to read the story further.

Leela’s kingdom is in this dire warlike situation because, Andhakari, an evil king from a neighboring kingdom is demanding a precious artifact from her – the magical pink diamond. This diamond was passed on to Leela from her ancestors and had remained in their kingdom for hundreds of years. The ancient sages had locked within this pink jewel, magical powers that would protect the kingdom against evil and bless it with bounty and abundance.

 

Andhakari had brashly sent a messenger with a letter to Leela, demanding the magical jewel from her, threatening to attack and invade her kingdom if she refused. After reading his letter, Leela was jolted into a tailspin of fear, anger, and powerlessness. Andhakari, after all, was ten times more powerful than her. He had more wealth. He had more soldiers. And unlike her and her soldiers, he and his men didn’t have any conscience. He would go on to great lengths to exert his power and snatch anything he desired, even if it was at the cost of killing innocent masses. But Leela was not someone to give up. Her boundless courage prompted her to embark on a secret quest to retrieve the magical pink diamond, which was hidden in the ancient ruins of her empire. Once she got hold of it, she would secure it to some safe place and trick Andhakari into believing that it was lost. This marks the “Rising Action” part of the story.

 

Rising Action involves the scenes where tensions mount and the journey introduces challenges: treacherous mountain passes, cryptic riddles guarding the ruins, and a shadowy rival also seeking the jewel. Each hurdle Leela overcomes builds suspense, bringing her closer to her goal, yet further into danger.

 

Finally, deep within the crumbling ruins, Leela confronts the rival, a powerful sorcerer, in a desperate struggle for the magical jewel. This is the Climax, the story’s peak, where the conflict reaches its absolute zenith, and the outcome hangs in the balance. Leela, through wit and courage, outsmarts the sorcerer, securing the diamond, only to discover that he too was there to secure and protect the jewel from Andhakari’s influence.

 

The “Falling Action” sees Leela return to her kingdom, the pink diamond in hand. She uses its power not for war, but to create a shimmering barrier, protecting her people without bloodshed. Horrified by the supernatural barriers of fire and wild electric currents, Andhakari’s soldiers were horrified and forced to retreat.

 

Lastly, in the “Denouement” part of the story, peace settles over the land. Leela, now celebrated and lauded by the subjects, begins rebuilding her kingdom, forever transformed by this ordeal. The threat is gone, loose ends tied, and a stable, empowered kingdom established. 

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