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