Creating a Freytag’s pyramid for the plot of Toni Morrison’s short story could be a tricky exercise. Since “Recitatif” has two distinct settings—St. Bonny’s and Twyla and Roberta’s life post-St. Bonny’s—it’s possible to make a Freytag's pyramid for each part of the story. It’s as if the St. Bonny’s section and the scenes after St. Bonny’s could have their own introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It’s like there’s two separate short stories in one.

Alas, while it may be difficult, it is possible to make a Freytag’s pyramid that encompasses the full story.

The introduction could be the first part of the story at St. Bonny’s. This part, as the name suggests, introduces the girls and the issues that will beset them later on.

The rising action might be attached to the scene at Howard Johnson’s. The “snub” creates tension and sets the stage for the climax. The rising action could also be tied to the meeting at the grocery store. At the Food Emporium, Morrison adds additional tension between the two characters via class difference and the mention of Maggie.

The climax, when the tension reaches its peak, is probably when Roberta and Twyla fight over Maggie’s skin color at the protest. The subject of Maggie brings the tension to another level. There’s exclamation points, passionate accusations, and a dramatic exit, with Twyla speeding away in her car.

The falling action could be the “nasty six weeks” after the climax in which school is suspended.

Finally, the resolution might be the last scene at the coffee shop. The intensity over Maggie appears to have settled. The issue is more or less resolved. Whatever did or didn’t happen, Twyla reminds Roberta that they were “just kids.” Roberta, however hesitantly, agrees.