EQ

What are the elements of

Plot?

Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Student Notes

Plot Diagram

2

1

3

4

5Exposition

Rising

Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Plot (definition)

• Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a conflict and a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Exposition• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short

story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action

• This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax• This is the turning point of the story.

Usually the main character comes face to face with the conflict. The main character will change in some way and there will be a significant change in the events.

4. Falling Action• All loose ends

of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution• The story

comes to a reasonable ending. The conflict is resolved.

Putting It All Together1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Guided Practice

Copy onto a sheet of paper!!

2

1

3

4

5Exposition

Rising

Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

“Skin” Plot Diagram

Stages of Plot Developmentas Staged by Rascal Flatts

• “Skin” by Rascal Flatts• As you listen, I want you to determine the line and

stanza where the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution occurs. After the song is over, we will place the information on the chart that we just copied.

Click Here to Play Song

Now, that we’ve listened…

• I want you to turn and talk to your partner and discuss which places represent the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action. It is true, you and your partner may not agree at first. But, I want you to defend why you picked the spot to represent one of the stages. Then, I hope that you can come to a consensus, because you will eventually have to record one answer on the “Skin” Plot Diagram sheet that you have drawn.

Beginning whole group discussion

• What locations did you pick for the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action?

Extension Activities/Discussion

• Now, that we have gotten the opportunity to see and hear various stages of plot within a song, I want you to think about::

• -What effect do all of these elements (exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action) have on the song?

• - What would a movie, song or piece of text be like if the plot only consisted of exposition and resolution?

• -What would that look like in actual practice? (Turn and talk to your partner)

• ***Write a short story where there is only an exposition and a resolution?***• -Would that be an appealing text to read, watch or listen to?• -Is it possible to have plot structures that vary from this

one? -Let’s think about suspense or horror films. Do the plot structures typically emulate this one?

Writing Invitation for

Plot Development#1 When writers write, they have to be careful to pull their audience along.

Insuring that the four stages of plot development are incorporated helps to do this. The model that we discussed in Rascal Flatts’ “Skin,” is a basic plot model, where you have a linear effect. Have you seen a movie or read a piece of text where the plot line is fluctuates in an unpredictable manner? Or have you seen a movie or read a piece of text where the plot line has even fewer ups and downs than “Skin”? What affect do those various plot structures have on your emotions? Which do you prefer? Why?

#2 Take this time to use your creative juices. Craft a story where you use the basic plot structure consisting of four stages. Or if you are even crafter try to infuse some variation to create a more unpredictable plot structure?

“The Death of Emmett Till” Song

• Listen to the following song to determine the exposition, rising action, falling action

Click HERE to play Song

Independent Practice• Chart the eight different events into the

appropriate spots on the plot diagram that you will see on the following slide.

Copy onto a sheet of paper!!

Exposition

Rising

Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

“The Death of Emmett Till” Plot Diagram