The Plot Diagram: the essential elements of any good story

The Plot Diagram: An easy way to visualize and talk about the way in which the elements of a plot progress through a story you are reading… Also shows a clear relationship between the elements: they all work together! Not all elements of the plot diagram are present in all stories. For example: Cliffhangers!

Exposition: Gives us information we need to know to understand the rest of the story Introduces main character(s) Informs us about setting Gives back-stories

Exposition: Exposition occurs at the beginning of our story

Inciting Incident: The event that starts, or “ignites”, the main conflict Occurs between the protagonist and the antagonist (hero v. villain) The main problem to be solved starts here to incite: (v.) to stir, encourage, or urge on; to stimulate or prompt to action: to incite a crowd to riot. Most often used negatively.

Inciting Incident: The inciting incident occurs before the rising action of our story

Rising Action: The important events that happen after the inciting incident but before the climax. These events should lead us toward the climax.

Rising Action: The rising action occurs after the inciting incident and before the climax.

Climax: The events that bring the main problem or conflict to its point of highest intensity. Very emotionally charged! Plot at its point of highest tension Usually protagonist & Antagonist involved

The climax occurs at the point of highest tension in our story.

Falling Action: The event(s) that bring minor conflict(s) to a resolution, if any Emotions are calming down as the climax has ended Not a required part of the plot

Falling Action: The falling action occurs after the climax

Resolution: The event(s) that bring the main conflict to a resolution Emotions are calm (unless there is a cliffhanger) Not a required part of the plot

Resolution: The resolution occurs at the end

Complete Plot Diagram: Climax Falling Action Resolution Rising Action !! ? Exposition Inciting Incident