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Plot Structure of a Tragedy: Romeo & Juliet - FINAL

Terms in this set (8)

1. Exposition
The introductory section of the play in which time, place, characters, and situation are presented.
-Chorus introduces the setting of the play
-Civil brawl between the Montague's and Capulet's
-Ancient feud between the Montague's and the Capulet's
2. Inciting Incident/exciting force
something happens that gets the action moving, usually in the first act.
- Romeo reads the invitation to Lord Capulet's masque and decides to go, even though he has a "bad feeling" that it will begin his downfall
3. Rising Action/hamartia
a series of events leading up to the climax; many of the events a result of the tragic character's flaw; usually covers more than one act.
- Romeo and Juliet get married
-Mercutio is killed by Tybalt
-Romeo seeks revenge for Mersutio's death
4.Crisis/Climax/Turning Point
Highest point of action in the play. Change in the protagonist, who seems now to be following a downward path.
-Romeo kills Tybalt and is exiled from Verona (III, 1)
5. Tragic Force
series of events following the climax;intensifies the conflict; most events go against the protagonist/ the consequences of the climax begin
-Romeo must leave Verona
-Juliet is almost forced to marry Paris
- Juliet takes a potion to appear dead and fakes her death
6.Moment of Final Suspense/Climax
near the end of the play, it begins to look as if things will go the way of the protagonist after all.
-The Friar's plan looks like it will help Romeo and Juliet escape Verone / Romeo arrives at the tomb and Juliet is still alive (if he only knew!)
7.Resolution/Catastrophe
the complete downfall of the protagonist either through death or some other devastating experience.
-Paris finds Romeo in Juliet's tomb, Romeo kills Paris
-Romeo kills himself with poison
-Juliet awakes to find Romeo's body in her tomb and kills herself with a dagger
Social Order Restored
because of the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, the feud is ended and the city of Verona is now without civil disorder/conflict
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