Plot The plot is the series of events in a story. It is usually built around a central conflict (a problem or struggle that drives the story). External Conflict: A struggle between a character & an outside force. Internal Conflict: a conflict within a character’s mind.

Stages of Plot Climax Rising Falling Action Action Exposition Resolution

Stages of Plot Exposition – introduces the characters and setting; gives background information; often the conflict is introduced in this stage. Rising Action – the story becomes more complicated as the conflict develops.

Stages of Plot Climax – turning point of the story; the most exciting part, when the outcome of the conflict is decided. Falling Action– conflict starts to be resolved. Resolution- all the loose ends are tied up.

Setting Setting is divided into two parts, the time and place of a story’s action Time is fluid, and a story can occur in the past, present, or future The place of a story’s action can be real or imaginary.

Characters Characters are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action of a story. There are 2 kinds of characters: main and minor. Main characters are the most important people, animals or creatures in stories or novels. Minor characters are less important, but interact with the main characters and help move the story along.

Character Traits Characters are described through their physical and personality traits or qualities. You can learn about a characters’ traits by: what the character thinks, says, and does what other characters think about, say to, or how they feel toward the character what the author directly tells readers about the character