Aristotle believed that every piece of poetry or drama must have a beginning, middle and end. This was known as the three act structure.
The five act structure expands the classical divisions and can be overlaid on a traditional plot diagram. Shakespearean plays especially are known for following this structure.
Act 1: The Exposition
The audience learns the setting (Time/Place), characters are developed, and a conflict is introduced
Act 2: Rising Action
The action of this act leads the audience to the climax. It is common for complications to arise, or for the protagonist to encounter obstacles.
Act 3: The Climax
This is the turning point of the play. The climax is characterised by the highest amount of suspense.
Act 4: Falling Action
The opposite of Rising Action, in the Falling Action the story is coming to an end, and any unknown details or plot twists are revealed and wrapped up.
Act 5: Denouement or Resolution
This is the final outcome of the drama. Here the authors tone about his or her subject matter is revealed, and sometimes a moral or lesson is learned.
In this picture, the narrative arc of the Plot Diagram is between the Five Act Structure (top) and Aristotle’s divisions (bottom).