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Plot Structure of Romeo and Juliet
It is not enough to understand what the components of the plot structure are, but a playwright must understand how to use each. A good way to see this is through a look at William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
First, do you know the story of Romeo and Juliet? Read the Romeo and Juliet synopsis for a quick refresher!
In this scene from a 1994 performance of the classic Shakespeare tragedy, Juliet has awoken to find her true love, Romeo, is dead. Image is in the public domain.
Components of Romeo and Juliet
Next, identify the six components of plot structure seen in Romeo and Juliet.
What is the exposition of this play?
Answer: The feud between Capulets and Montagues. Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet.
What is the inciting incident of this play?
Answer: Romeo and Juliet meet at the party hosted by Juliet's father.
What is the rising action in Romeo and Juliet?
Answer: Romeo and Juliet proclaim their love for each other after the party, and Romeo and Juliet are secretly married by Friar Laurence. Romeo is banished to Mantua, and Friar Laurence helps Juliet fake her death to avoid a pending marriage to Paris.
What is the climax of Romeo and Juliet?
Answer: Romeo gets word that Juliet is dead, and he doesn't get the message of Friar Laurence.
What is the falling action?
Answer: Friar Laurence fails to let Juliet know what has happened. Romeo gets poison, returns to Verona, goes to crypt and drinks the poison. Juliet wakes and discovers Romeo is dead!
What is the resolution?
Answer: Juliet discovers Romeo when she wakes and kills herself with his dagger. Friar Laurence explains what has happened, and the two families vow to end the feud.
A playwright must understand the nature of plot structure in order to be sure that only the most needed elements are included. Otherwise, a final play will never take shape.
