Provides background information and introduces the key characters and setting to establish the main situation. This lays the groundwork for the story.

The complications or conflicts are introduced and climax as the story progresses. There is a sense of increasing suspense and anticipation.

This is the turning point of the story where the conflict comes to a head and the protagonist faces their greatest challenge yet. All of the rising tension comes to a boiling point.

Events begin to resolve after the climax as loose ends are tied up and meaning is derived from the outcome of the climax. There is a sense of plunging forward from the most intense high point.