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Identifying the Elements of A Plot
EQ: How do we identify the elements of a plot and how
does that help us understand the story?
Plot (definition)
• Organized sequence of events that make up a story.
• What happens to the characters in the story – the events and actions within a story and how they link together.
Pyramid Plot Structure
The most basic and traditional form of plot is pyramid-shaped.
Plot Diagram
2
1
3
4
5
1. Conflict (exposition)• Usually near the beginning of a story. • Characters are introduced. • We learn about the setting.• Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict
(main problem).
2. Rising Action
• Develops the conflict(s) with details.
• Builds interest or suspense.
3. Climax• Turning point of the story. • Main character comes face to face with a conflict. • Main character will change in some way.
4. Falling Action• Events after the
climax • Conflict or main
problem is taken care of.
5. Resolution• Story comes to a reasonable ending
• Ties together loose threads, sometimes telling us the theme.
Rising Action
In most stories, most of the action is before the climax and the action after the climax is much shorter.
Why do you think this is so?
Climax
Falling Action
To diagram a plot, we simplify our shape to a triangle so that it will be easier.
Putting It All Together1. Conflict (exposition)
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story
Plot Components review
Conflict (Exposition): the situation before the action starts, introduce characters, setting, conflict
Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax
Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action
Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax
Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads
Plots can be arranged in:
Chronological order
Flashback
In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition
Conflict Conflict is the struggle between two
forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.
Protagonist Antagonist
Types of Conflict
Character vs Nature
Character vs Society
Character vs Self
Character vs Character
Interpersonal Conflict
Internal Conflict