Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.3 Shakespeare > Subject content > Plot and structure
- Subject: English
- AS: 90722
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.3 Respond critically to Shakespearean drama studied
Plot and structure
The plot of a Shakespearean play is usually organised into five acts with a varying number of scenes. You need a detailed knowledge of important events so you can select appropriate and specific examples and quotations to use in your analysis of the text.
Basic plot structure of a tragedy or comedy
- Crisis and resolution – the problem(s) and the choice(s) a character(s) has to make. A catalyst (problem) usually sets up the chain of events leading to the resolution. Note when and how the problem happened and the choices the character makes to resolve it. The process of choosing helps to move the plot forward so they can deal with other complications.
- Rising tension – builds to a peak or climax where the issue is confronted or it may be a moment of truth where the main character realises their mistakes.
- Subplot – a storyline based on a minor character that can cross over with the main plot and character storyline.
Key points to study
- The beginning and end – list important points such as how characters are introduced and developed, any repetition of key sentences or ideas.
- A turning point – is a moment in the text where a character changes because they were faced with an important decision. Note when this happened, what lead up to the turning point and what was the result.
- The ending – list important points such as how the characters have changed and developed throughout the text. Note how the beginning and end are similar and/or different. Is there a 'twist', are we left hanging without a clear resolution, or a sense of justice? Is the ending satisfactory?
Why these methods are effective for your text
After describing how your text has been structured give specific reasons as to why this has been done. Dramatic irony is an effective plot device with high impact. The audience feels rising tension because they can see all the action in the play and have full knowledge of what is going on, unlike the main character who cannot see and hear everything in the play.
Ways to study the plot
Timeline – organise important events in chronological order from beginning to end of the text by writing keywords or quotations. Identify the problem, choices, complications, resolution of the plot. Consider how the plot affects other elements of the text, such as development of character, motivation, and theme.
- Plot – Activity 2
- Graph – the changing level of tension (emotional climax) by measuring the appropriate amount of stress when an important events occurs. See structure of a narrative diagram for guidance.
- Summarise – important scenes from the play. Read over your summary and highlight important themes, feelings, actions and choices to understand how the plot has been developed.
- Cause and effect – What caused a significant event to occur? What are the consequences of this event?
Other keywords for plot and structure: events, turning point, crisis, incident, episode, sequence, scene, catalyst, conflict, confrontation, climax, tension, resolution, denouement, outcome, action, beginning, end, sub plot.
