A Shakespearian tragedy may be broken down into six distinct structural elements:
 

1. Exposition – introduction & "grabber"

2. Exciting Force – the main characters take on too much that will lead to disaster

3. Rising Action – events that propel the characters toward the climax

4. Climax – The focal point where the play shifts directions toward the catastrophe

5. Falling action – events that propel the characters toward the catastrophe

6. Catastrophe –  the tragic , inevitable end

In Romeo and Juliet these elements occur as follows:
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

Describe the events of the play which conform to the structural elements of a Shakespearian tragedy.

1. Exposition

2. Exciting Force

3. Rising Action

4. Climax

5. Falling Action

6. Catastrophe