See Freytag's Triangle for a diagram that illustrates Aristotle's ideal plot structure, and Plot of Oedipus the King for an application of this diagram to Sophocles' play. Application to Oedipus the King . The plot may be either simple or complex, although complex is better. Both peripeteia and anagnorisis turn upon surprise. Application to Oedipus the King .
Character has the second place in importance.
The protagonist should be renowned and prosperous, so his change of fortune can be from good to bad. The role of the hamartia in tragedy comes not from its moral status but from the inevitability of its consequences. Application to Oedipus the King . Once a character's personality and motivations are established, these should continue throughout the play. However, we may assume that this category would also include what we call the themes of a play.