Its not, as it really doesnt have a definable climax scene. Each episode is partially its own story, and each season is a story as well. For example, season 4 episode 11 could be considered the climax of season 4, as it's when walter white has a breakdown. But you could also call walter white being chased at the season finale of that episode the climax of that specific episode.
This plot structure is _far_ more ubiquitous than just tragic works or comics/manga. Swap out "Catastrophe" for "Resolution" and you can apply it to just about every narrative work of fiction ever created. _Every_ story needs to have an Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, and Resolution to be a narratively satisfying story, no exceptions. This is such a fundamental element of storytelling that most people already intuitively understand the basic principle of it. Ever told a story to your friends before? How does it usually go? Well, you start off by setting the scene, then you build up to a big moment, then the big moment happens, then you wrap it up with an ending. See?
You must be new around here lmao. Yes you are absolutely correct! This video is the 4th one I've made about story structures, I would hope that everyone knows the basics elements of a story by now I mainly titled this "for tragedy" because that's how it started out. Modern stories do replace the catastrophe as "resolution" like you said, but then that makes this no different than the Three Act Structure, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, The Hero's Journey etc Also its labeled "for comics and manga" because that is my channel's main demographic. Most people here arent writing novels or plays or films
Not true, most of oriental story telling doesn’t need a resolution, their Buddhist views make the story about nothing, no about something and learning anything in the end. Not every thing needs structures, the modern literature in the west realized that too
You don't HAVE to do this for it to be good or satisfying. Tragic stories with no resolution can be enjoyable and satisfying as well. I think it could be a matter of audience. Who are you writing for? What's your target audience? Is it yourself or a specific audience.
Many examples exist to show this isn't as universal as you claim. In medias res can place the rising action before the introduction one good example is berserk that only properly introduces the context behind the story once the golden age chapters are reached. Several other stories also end on the climax not providing a resolution or falling action among the notable examples are the versions of Ragnarok that don't leave any survivors of the event.
@@theresnothinghere1745 That is also true! Like you described, some authors deviate or do their own thing and it works well Some stories are told out of chronological order. Plot Structures should only be seen as a "template" for those who find themselves getting lose when wriitng Once you understand how to write a story, you can break the rules to make it feel more unique
I have to give you respect, you’re a really well articulate RUclipsr and your knowledge of the craft of creating stories shows. My one criticism is in your reading in that it has that type of monotone where it’s a tad bit robotic but do what works for you! Just thought I’d add a little bit of constructive criticism to that might take you to that next level of viewership.
I appreciate the feedback! I always write like a 5 page google doc script for each video, so just reading off the paper can sound a bit robotic I'll try to add more liveliness to my recordings!
This sounds super useful and applicable to many situations for comics. Serious or comedic. Thank you. I could even use this for subversions along with the other story structures. Any suggestions on or pitfalls to avoid when mixing the structures for individual chapters without compromising the overall narrative. This is from my own personal taste, but I don't like the idea that the heroes always have to return to their everyday life changed like the Hero's Journey claims, but I would want the character's life to change to go along with their own evolution either matching or contrasting. I think that is why I like bittersweet endings. It accomplishes what both happy and tragic ends can offer.
I always tell people to think of all of these plot structures as a "rough roadmap" or a suggestion. Just following it 1/1 isn't necessary, it is fine to deviate or skip parts if you think it'll improve your story. These plot structures exist to give you an "idea" of where the story should head so you don't lose your way if that makes sense
I'll just leave this here: Fraytag's triangle Heros journey Character arc Foils Paragon Setting as a character South park writing method Rick and Morty writing method Hard vs soft magic system Interesting vs relatable characters Eastern story telling design Western story telling design I have my own method for writing characters.
Thanks for making this video! I'm mulling over a writing project that has absolutely nothing to do with manga, but the way you walked through this has still been immensely helpful.
I feel like this stuff is easier to pick up when its on your own terms though and you're not forced to learn it or take a test on it Plus most of the books in school I could care less about, I'd rather use it practically with shows and movies I personally enjoy
thank you so much for these videos man each one has given me so much to work on or towards that i didn’t know before i really hope you get the recognition you deserve 🙏🏾
Mix this with the elements of story Characters Setting Themes Plot Conflict And you'll know how your story goes. Try changing the catastrophe for a resolution of any kind it can be a humourous, tragic, intriguing, or even a cliffhanger .
I see. I am the process of creating a tragic backstory for one of my own characters myself. So, Freytrap’s Triangle is a great way to create a well/written one. One that has that magic found in Spider-man’s origin of story that writers has been trying replicating since. (Or macab since it doubles as backstory horror)
Bokurano is a constant gut punch over and over again. You think you're going to get used to it, only for an even more powerful kick to the gut comes your way.
Wouldnt manga (and everything eastern for that matter) more likely to follow the kishotenketsu structure? The "intro-setup-punchline-reaction", essentially.
From what I have read, I believe most Japanese movies, tv shows, comics, etc follow the structure. I couldn't find other types like how western literature has many. I assume itd be the same for other eastern countries as well
the end doesn't need to always be catastrophic it can just be the resolution- although resolutions can come at any point after the climax (for example resolution to other characters or storylines within the one narrative) so maybe denouement is more accurate as this ties up anything.
TRUE, while scripting these videos its always weird to think how many times you should say "freytag's pyramid, this plot structure, it, [insert other name for it" without getting repetitive
@@MonitorComics haha no worries mate, enjoyed the vid a ton and was very informative. And like you said, becomes a bit difficult to find synonyms for it. Time better spent elsewhere. Thanks for the reply ❤️
This will be a great tool in helping me write great games like I always dreamt of! Thanks for teaching us how to use it, and also are there any Games that use it? I think Nier Automata seems to
It depends on the story. A lot of writers tend to use these plot structures as a baseline and then deviate a bit to make their stories feel unique. I tend to look at Dan Harmon's story circle the most though since its the most current one
That is true! My main audience (and what I am most familiar with professionally) is comic and manga artists, so I don't advertise my content "for novelists, playwrights, etc"
@@MonitorComics yeah I get it lol, it's just a pet peeve of mine, I get kinda annoyed at people when they make it sound like something is only good for one or two mediums, but again I do completely understand
Most of these plot structures are just slight alterations of each other. They all exist and are used by authors though so I felt like it was worth mentioning instead of treating it like it doesn't exist The biggest difference originally was the tragic element, the catastrophe, but modern writers replace that with "resolution" so it can be used with non-tragic stories like any other plot structure
OOF, I apologize about that. I used to only have a speedpaint in the background but I got a lot of comments saying "just show manga examples of what you are talking about" and "Its distracting seeing you draw something when I am trying to listen" Hard to please everyone lol I can't reuse the same screenshots every time too so I have to update them
@@MonitorComics OH WOW, you replied!! First of all wanted to say that it’s fine, must be a tough job trying to please everyone and such so I kind of understand And second, I must take advantage of the reply to say thank you for your videos, they have been an inspiration to me and have allowed me to pursue greater heights in writing (even outside of the manga/comic making community)
almost all the characters in my novel, including the protagonist, will have tragic pasts, for some they will be their reason for being on the dark side, for others a test of their courage and strength, for the few a way to become imperfect as a person. My female characters would have tragedies similar to the male characters, I don't like the Marvel and DC style of adding rape, I prefer not to limit myself by gender in terms of tragic pasts. There would be like, the tragedy of an orphan, poverty, abuse, toxic debauchery, soldier's misfortune, loss of a family member, traumatic humiliation, failure and pain, I rely on crude medieval or Greek films or works instead of school problems because they give cringe After all, the past times were not so beautiful, or were they not the black plague?
Neon Genesis Evangelion's exposition rising action falling action and conclusion as follows: Where am I and what is happening? What is happening What is happening What is happening I am on a big blue ball and wtf is happening.
Nah most of the images here are unrelated unless specified like "for example in ____" If I ONLY put tragedy stories in here then it'd be a thousand spoilers Plus Modern day freytag's pyramid replaces the tragedy part with resolution so it can apply to non tragic stories too
NGL what I care whether new or trophy stories Is the way it’s excecuted Avatar the last airbender treat OP mc Cinnamon pacifist mc right with AANG and chosen one trope Along with his friend or companions still balance for the team
@@MonitorComics I watched your video on kishotenketsu as well. There you exemplify the structure using Kimi no Na wa and go through it chronologically. That's fair, the watcher has a chance to react if they don't want to get spoiled. Here you just mentioned the ending of a series randomly without any warning or buildup. It's not a big deal, I found it funny, but I definitely won't bother with continuing to read Platinum End now.
I prefer the path to godhood and opening a new era genre, rather than an unstoppable decline. Sure LotR is good, but that world is dying, so even though struggle against evil is important, the inevitable decline is unavoidable. Like a movie based on the last moments before and asteroid annihilates all life on Earth, a pointless waste of time to watch or read.
The only tragic endings in manga I have read is when the manga gets cancelled early 😭
😭
Act-Age 😭😭😭
Or resumes after a long hiatus 😢
@@i.s.9451 it’s more tragic when the manga is in hiatus and the mangaka passed away.
Berserk fans, I’m so sorry 😔
@@MisatoTsumemasa honestly I was content with how he left it. I don't know if I want to see his apprentice continued work
Breaking Bad is a solid example of this narrative structure being effectively used.
TRUE
Those are some big bonkers alright.
Breaking Bad Manga adaptation when
Its not, as it really doesnt have a definable climax scene. Each episode is partially its own story, and each season is a story as well.
For example, season 4 episode 11 could be considered the climax of season 4, as it's when walter white has a breakdown.
But you could also call walter white being chased at the season finale of that episode the climax of that specific episode.
Replace “Climax” and “Catastrophe” with “Victory” and “Crisis”, and you get the same pyramid but for shonen battle anime.
This plot structure is _far_ more ubiquitous than just tragic works or comics/manga. Swap out "Catastrophe" for "Resolution" and you can apply it to just about every narrative work of fiction ever created. _Every_ story needs to have an Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, and Resolution to be a narratively satisfying story, no exceptions.
This is such a fundamental element of storytelling that most people already intuitively understand the basic principle of it. Ever told a story to your friends before? How does it usually go? Well, you start off by setting the scene, then you build up to a big moment, then the big moment happens, then you wrap it up with an ending. See?
You must be new around here lmao. Yes you are absolutely correct! This video is the 4th one I've made about story structures, I would hope that everyone knows the basics elements of a story by now
I mainly titled this "for tragedy" because that's how it started out. Modern stories do replace the catastrophe as "resolution" like you said, but then that makes this no different than the Three Act Structure, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, The Hero's Journey etc Also its labeled "for comics and manga" because that is my channel's main demographic. Most people here arent writing novels or plays or films
Not true, most of oriental story telling doesn’t need a resolution, their Buddhist views make the story about nothing, no about something and learning anything in the end. Not every thing needs structures, the modern literature in the west realized that too
You don't HAVE to do this for it to be good or satisfying. Tragic stories with no resolution can be enjoyable and satisfying as well. I think it could be a matter of audience. Who are you writing for? What's your target audience? Is it yourself or a specific audience.
Many examples exist to show this isn't as universal as you claim. In medias res can place the rising action before the introduction one good example is berserk that only properly introduces the context behind the story once the golden age chapters are reached.
Several other stories also end on the climax not providing a resolution or falling action among the notable examples are the versions of Ragnarok that don't leave any survivors of the event.
@@theresnothinghere1745 That is also true! Like you described, some authors deviate or do their own thing and it works well
Some stories are told out of chronological order. Plot Structures should only be seen as a "template" for those who find themselves getting lose when wriitng
Once you understand how to write a story, you can break the rules to make it feel more unique
Video ideas: Creating a deuteragonist in your story, Creating an anti-villain.
Thank you for the video suggestions!
Aside from Zuko, are there any others who are pretty notable?
I have to give you respect, you’re a really well articulate RUclipsr and your knowledge of the craft of creating stories shows. My one criticism is in your reading in that it has that type of monotone where it’s a tad bit robotic but do what works for you! Just thought I’d add a little bit of constructive criticism to that might take you to that next level of viewership.
I appreciate the feedback! I always write like a 5 page google doc script for each video, so just reading off the paper can sound a bit robotic
I'll try to add more liveliness to my recordings!
Bro, thankfully that's not me, but you could spoil so many people with the manga pages you show lol, a small disclaimer at the start wouldn't hurt.
When I hear this story structure it makes me wanna try and do the complete opposite to try and prove it plausible
Thank you for this! I will put the Freytag Pyramid into my thought process!
That's awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!
0:22 really appreciate a huge vinland saga manga spoiler 20 seconds into the video without any warning at the start whatsoever
This sounds super useful and applicable to many situations for comics. Serious or comedic. Thank you. I could even use this for subversions along with the other story structures. Any suggestions on or pitfalls to avoid when mixing the structures for individual chapters without compromising the overall narrative.
This is from my own personal taste, but I don't like the idea that the heroes always have to return to their everyday life changed like the Hero's Journey claims, but I would want the character's life to change to go along with their own evolution either matching or contrasting. I think that is why I like bittersweet endings. It accomplishes what both happy and tragic ends can offer.
I always tell people to think of all of these plot structures as a "rough roadmap" or a suggestion. Just following it 1/1 isn't necessary, it is fine to deviate or skip parts if you think it'll improve your story. These plot structures exist to give you an "idea" of where the story should head so you don't lose your way if that makes sense
1:52 one of the most amazing kuro panels, shame it's not part of the main story
oh you mean black butler? I still need to read that one
I'll just leave this here:
Fraytag's triangle
Heros journey
Character arc
Foils
Paragon
Setting as a character
South park writing method
Rick and Morty writing method
Hard vs soft magic system
Interesting vs relatable characters
Eastern story telling design
Western story telling design
I have my own method for writing characters.
Thanks for making this video! I'm mulling over a writing project that has absolutely nothing to do with manga, but the way you walked through this has still been immensely helpful.
Really glad to hear that!! Thank you for taking the time to watch! Good luck with your writing project!!
Love the fast pace of this narrative! At 4:56 it should be "cowardice" not "cowardness"
Wow, so something I learn from school actually applies to my real life.
LOL I know right. Once I started making comics and ran into problems I realized I should've paid more attention in class
I feel like this stuff is easier to pick up when its on your own terms though and you're not forced to learn it or take a test on it
Plus most of the books in school I could care less about, I'd rather use it practically with shows and movies I personally enjoy
you dont know how long i have been waiting for you to make this.
Really glad to hear that! I hope I did alright and it was worth the wait!
thank you so much for these videos man each one has given me so much to work on or towards that i didn’t know before i really hope you get the recognition you deserve 🙏🏾
I guess this structure is the best for my story. First time I hear about it tho. I will need to do lots of research!
That's awesome to hear! Modern writers tend to change the last part "catastrophe" to "resolution" so it applies to more types of stories!
Mix this with the elements of story
Characters
Setting
Themes
Plot
Conflict
And you'll know how your story goes.
Try changing the catastrophe for a resolution of any kind it can be a humourous, tragic, intriguing, or even a cliffhanger .
Thank you so much for this video! I will be putting this for use in my comic im currently working on ^_^
I'm really glad to hear that! Best of luck!
anyone also thinking Oyasumi Punpun would be a perfect example?
Another great video ❤
Thank you!
Cool, I'll try it. If it's helpful in the ways you mentioned I'll add it to my writing process.
Very clear and to the point, I am glad I found your channel
thank you so much for helping me and others with ouer storis and manga
Of course! Thanks for taking the time to watch! Best of luck with your project!
@@MonitorComics its on the way
I see. I am the process of creating a tragic backstory for one of my own characters myself. So, Freytrap’s Triangle is a great way to create a well/written one. One that has that magic found in Spider-man’s origin of story that writers has been trying replicating since. (Or macab since it doubles as backstory horror)
Bokurano is a constant gut punch over and over again. You think you're going to get used to it, only for an even more powerful kick to the gut comes your way.
FACTS. Such a good story
Hearing your explanation of this remaining me of Add/Edward a character from a game called Elsword when the player choose the Diabolic Esper path 😄
Can't wait to watch this when I get home
Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
All the stories I think of ended up with MC dying, so this is what the structure called... 😆
SAO mentioned, instant sub
Holy moley could've at least spoiler alerted about the god's candidate anime lmao
Bro perfectly hit the monetization time mark
Learned from the best, D’Angelo Wallace, the perfect video length is 10:01 😤
7:03 plot goes hard
Wouldnt manga (and everything eastern for that matter) more likely to follow the kishotenketsu structure? The "intro-setup-punchline-reaction", essentially.
From what I have read, I believe most Japanese movies, tv shows, comics, etc follow the structure. I couldn't find other types like how western literature has many. I assume itd be the same for other eastern countries as well
I now understand the structure of Fate/Zero with a lot more clarity now
Clover by Clamp is SO GOOD and SOOO TRAGIC!!! I would love for it to be made into a movie.
the end doesn't need to always be catastrophic it can just be the resolution- although resolutions can come at any point after the climax (for example resolution to other characters or storylines within the one narrative) so maybe denouement is more accurate as this ties up anything.
take a drink every time bro says Freytag's Pyramid
TRUE, while scripting these videos its always weird to think how many times you should say "freytag's pyramid, this plot structure, it, [insert other name for it" without getting repetitive
@@MonitorComics haha no worries mate, enjoyed the vid a ton and was very informative. And like you said, becomes a bit difficult to find synonyms for it. Time better spent elsewhere. Thanks for the reply ❤️
You had me, then you lost me, then the spoilers made me click off
You voluntarily clicked on a video about a beginning, middle, and end and are surprised... the video talks about the beginning, middle, and end
Ay another banger
I'm glad you enjoyed!!
*I will NOW speak IN A monotonous TONE*
Me
Number 15 vibes
what is the manga on the left on the thumbnail?
I think these mangas are rather "ki-shou-ten-ketsu" instead, but it's very interesting nonetheless!
1:34 what manga is this? the art is gorgeous
Tokyo Ghoul!
This will be a great tool in helping me write great games like I always dreamt of! Thanks for teaching us how to use it, and also are there any Games that use it? I think Nier Automata seems to
Damn I guess Oda fr use Freytag's Pyramid on Marineford Arc and the others is Heroes Journey...I think
tell me all the manga and others used inside of this video plz
What manga was at 0:53 with the dudes face getting sliced?
What makes good Leadership in Comics and Manga
Can Kishōtenketsu narrative be combined with fraytag? Bcs I think that you can create a tragedy with that narrative style as well
A lot of mini fretags in a big kishotenketsu
Kishotenketsu is my next video... LOL
7:00 Oh god, my worst nightmare, *Massive badonkers*
LOL
1:35 whats this from?
Bro has no chill with the spoilers lmao
Wait there was a manga for Sekiro?
Do you think authors purposely apply these techniques or they're replicating structures from other stories they were inspired by?
You raise one but even Eastern Culture has their own which is used Kishotenketsu and that is more present in anime and manga
Great analysis, but can I get a spoiler warning next time? I luckily have already read Platinum end, but not everyone has.
Which one do you use. (Great vid)
It depends on the story. A lot of writers tend to use these plot structures as a baseline and then deviate a bit to make their stories feel unique. I tend to look at Dan Harmon's story circle the most though since its the most current one
Nice
It works equally as well for any medium, it's not specifically good for comics/visual novels
That is true! My main audience (and what I am most familiar with professionally) is comic and manga artists, so I don't advertise my content "for novelists, playwrights, etc"
@@MonitorComics yeah I get it lol, it's just a pet peeve of mine, I get kinda annoyed at people when they make it sound like something is only good for one or two mediums, but again I do completely understand
6:19 name?
1:56 sekiro's got a manga?
I still fail to see how this is different from the 3 act structure, it's just the same thing framed different
Most of these plot structures are just slight alterations of each other. They all exist and are used by authors though so I felt like it was worth mentioning instead of treating it like it doesn't exist
The biggest difference originally was the tragic element, the catastrophe, but modern writers replace that with "resolution" so it can be used with non-tragic stories like any other plot structure
7:01 sauce??
7:00 what the fuck is the contet of that
Oshi no ko on top
How to make a good leader in your manga
What is the name of the manga at 7:15 ?
Rent A Girlfriend!
Christ, more than 5 spoilers of manga I’m reading in the video
OOF, I apologize about that. I used to only have a speedpaint in the background but I got a lot of comments saying "just show manga examples of what you are talking about" and "Its distracting seeing you draw something when I am trying to listen"
Hard to please everyone lol
I can't reuse the same screenshots every time too so I have to update them
@@MonitorComics OH WOW, you replied!!
First of all wanted to say that it’s fine, must be a tough job trying to please everyone and such so I kind of understand
And second, I must take advantage of the reply to say thank you for your videos, they have been an inspiration to me and have allowed me to pursue greater heights in writing (even outside of the manga/comic making community)
What is the manga on 4:10 on rightmost side?
She is from the Monogatari series!
Thank you ☺
Can I use the pyramid for each arc starting each arc from the exposition
Yes!
@@MonitorComics 👍
Tougen Anki shoutout?
I cant believe I used this not knowing i did 😂
I appreciate the writing tip, but I wish it was done without spoiling the living hell out of so many serieses.
you're watching a video about how to write a beginning middle and end and are shocked when the end part comes around
7:03 what manga is this? Asking for a friend
Bakemonogatari!
almost all the characters in my novel, including the protagonist, will have tragic pasts, for some they will be their reason for being on the dark side, for others a test of their courage and strength, for the few a way to become imperfect as a person. My female characters would have tragedies similar to the male characters, I don't like the Marvel and DC style of adding rape, I prefer not to limit myself by gender in terms of tragic pasts. There would be like, the tragedy of an orphan, poverty, abuse, toxic debauchery, soldier's misfortune, loss of a family member, traumatic humiliation, failure and pain, I rely on crude medieval or Greek films or works instead of school problems because they give cringe After all, the past times were not so beautiful, or were they not the black plague?
what's the manga with the frogs with human hands and feet?
Timestamp?
@@MonitorComics 2:02
@@renarddubois940 That would be from Jagaaan!
Neon Genesis Evangelion's exposition rising action falling action and conclusion as follows:
Where am I and what is happening?
What is happening
What is happening
What is happening
I am on a big blue ball and wtf is happening.
LOL
Manga name? 1:32 (panels goes hard🔥) 1:52
Crazy tuber voice bro
"If you put a plot in your story, it will be good"
why is Komi San here.
are you trying to tell me it ends in tragedy?
Nah most of the images here are unrelated unless specified like "for example in ____" If I ONLY put tragedy stories in here then it'd be a thousand spoilers
Plus Modern day freytag's pyramid replaces the tragedy part with resolution so it can apply to non tragic stories too
whyd you spoil aot
damn that was a lot of spoilers
To be fair no single narrative structure exists and creators will always use a mixture of narrative structure lot of the time subconsciously
That is true!
Same as here
did chat gpt write this script
can anyone tell the name of the manga (panel) at 7:01??????
Bakemonogatari!
@@MonitorComics Guess I gotta read it now, dang
NGL what I care whether new or trophy stories
Is the way it’s excecuted
Avatar the last airbender treat OP mc
Cinnamon pacifist mc right with AANG and chosen one trope
Along with his friend or companions still balance for the team
Can't you at least give a spoiler warning? 💀Bro casually spoiled manga too fast for anyone to skip the part 💀💀
dawg did you just spoil the plot of Platinum End without any warning
You voluntarily watched a video about how to write a beginning middle and end and are surprised when the video talks about writing an ending
@@MonitorComics I watched your video on kishotenketsu as well. There you exemplify the structure using Kimi no Na wa and go through it chronologically. That's fair, the watcher has a chance to react if they don't want to get spoiled. Here you just mentioned the ending of a series randomly without any warning or buildup. It's not a big deal, I found it funny, but I definitely won't bother with continuing to read Platinum End now.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
7:00
I think Tokyo revengers uses this
Firsttt yessirrr
LETS GOOO
This literally isn't something new. this is just the very basis of writing. (also this has nothing to do with a tragic backstory)
I prefer the path to godhood and opening a new era genre, rather than an unstoppable decline. Sure LotR is good, but that world is dying, so even though struggle against evil is important, the inevitable decline is unavoidable. Like a movie based on the last moments before and asteroid annihilates all life on Earth, a pointless waste of time to watch or read.