The Fichtean Curve

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers

For those unfamiliar with Freytag’s Pyramid which I contrast with The Fichtean Curve.

Freytag’s Pyramid: Understand the Shape of Tragic Drama

1. Introduction. Establish the characters and stakes.

2. Rise, or rising action. Things seem to be on the up.

3. Climax. The world is turned upside-down.

4. Return, or fall. We’re heading for tragedy.

5. Catastrophe. The inevitable becomes true.