The structure of a tragedy

The images below explain the structure of a tragedy. Using this information, apply this structure to Othello and identify the events which fit this model.

Act I: Exposition, Exciting Force, Rising Action

Act II: Rising Action

Act III: Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action

Act IV: Falling Action

Act V: Falling Action, Catastrophe

Exposition
The exposition describes the mood and conditions existing at the beginning of the play. The time and place will be identified as well as the main characters and their positions, circumstances, and relationships to one another.

Exciting Force

Also sometimes called the complication or initial incident, the exciting force is what “gets things going.” The exciting force thus begins the conflict which will continue throughout the play.

Rising Action

The series of events leading to the climax comprise the rising action. These events provide a progressive intensity of interest for the audience. The rising action will involve more than one act.

Climax

The climax represents the turning point of the play. From this point on, the Shakespearean hero moves to his inevitable (often grisly) end.

Falling Action

The falling action includes those events occurring from the time of the climax up to the hero’s death. The episodes will show both advances and declines in the various forces acting upon the hero.

The Catastrophe
The catastrophe concerns the necessary consequences of the hero’s actions (death). The catastrophe will be characteristically simple and brief.