PLOT STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

The Da Vinci Code is a suspenseful mystery, which encompasses a thrilling quest for the Holy Grail. The plot is imbued with as much historical truth as conjecture.

Exposition

The exposition of a plot is the place where the reader is introduced to the main characters and any important information to understand what is presently occurring. The first twenty chapters of this novel are its exposition. In these chapters, we meet the major characters and learn their backgrounds. We also learn the major conflict Sophie and Langdon will confront is uncovering the clues left by Saunière about the Grail.

Rising Action

Rising action is the action that will lead to the climax (or the major turning point in the plot). In this novel the rising action is everything that happens before the police capture Teabing. This includes eluding the police, traveling to London, Teabing’s “kidnapping,” and uncovering the passwords.

Climax

The climax is the point in the plot where something happens to change the course of action of the main character. It is a decisive moment that will determine the outcome of the plot. The climax occurs when the police apprehend Teabing at Westminster Abbey. This is the major turning point in the plot because it allows Sophie and Langdon to resolve their major conflict without Teabing or the police interfering.

Outcome

The outcome of the plot is when resolution occurs. The outcome in this novel occurs at Marie’s house. Here Sophie and Langdon have successfully answered most of Saunière’s riddles. Sophie learns the truth about her family and Langdon is content to let the mystery of the Grail rest.

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