Plot the definition

The organized sequence of events that make up a story Every plot is made up of a series of events that are related to one another.

Plot the diagram

2

1

3

4

5

1. Exposition

Usually occurs at the beginning of a short story.

Here the characters are introduced.

We also learn about the setting of the story.

We are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action

Part of the story begins to develop the conflict.

A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax

The turning point of the story.

Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict.

The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action

All loose ends of the plot are tied up.

The conflict and climax are taken care

of.

5. Resolution

The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Plot Putting it all together

1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Plot Rip Van Winkle

Who are the characters?

Rip Van Winkle and the townspeople

What is the setting?

A New York village after the American Revolution

What is the problem (conflict) of the story?

Rip is faced with changes he doesn’t understand.

Plot (continued) Rip Van Winkle

What are the main events of the story?

1. Rip takes a 20 year nap.

2. He awakes and walks into a village where a crowd

follows him.

3. He notices changes in the village

4. He goes to the inn and is questioned.

5. He notices that his beard has grown.

Plot (continued) Rip Van Winkle

Eventually there will be a climax in which the problem must be either solved or accepted once and for all. As the story ends and the

conflict is resolved (the resolution), we may also see how the character is changed

because of his or her experiences.

How do you predict Rip’s problem will be resolved?