Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
(Exposition) Initial Situation
A Certain Low-Ranking Official
We are introduced to a certain low-ranking official named Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin. We get to learn about how much Akaky loves his job, gets no respect, and has no friends. But somehow, he's not sad. There's no conflict in this story yet—we're just getting to know our main character.
Rising Action (Conflict, Complication)
It Costs How Much?
Then winter comes. Akaky's coat is worn down to little more than a pile of rags, and he freaks out when he learns that he needs a new one. The only problem is that he's poor and the coat costs twice his salary. That's conflict number one, and it's just the beginning dear Shmoopsters. It's about to be a much bumpier ride from here on out.
Climax (Crisis, Turning Point)
Breaking News: Coat Theft on the Rise in St. Petersburg
Conflict number two comes when the coat is finally finished and everyone throws a party for Akaky. Normally that wouldn't be a conflict, but fun, games, and friends make Akaky nervous and breaks him out of his usual routine. The climax? Akaky's prized coat is stolen on his way back from the party. Teach him to have a little fun.
Falling Action
Who's in Charge Here?
Should Akaky talk to the captain? The Superintendent? A certain prominent personage? The hierarchy is so complex and convoluted that all of Akaky's attempts to get his coat back fail miserably. It doesn't look like this will be a very happy ending.
Conclusion
Since when do Ghosts Wear Coats?
Akaky dies, but he's not done yet. His ghost roams the street looking for a coat to replace his. When he finally gets it from the man who failed to help when he needed it most, his spirit finally comes to rest and wraps up the conflict once and for all. Like they say, revenge is a dish best served cold.