Identifying the Elements of a Plot Diagram Student Notes

Plot Diagram

Plot (definition) Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. The reader gains background information about the story. –Especially the Setting and Characters

2. Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax This is 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 After the climax The reader sees the effects of the climax The story begins to “wind down”

5. Resolution Conflicts are “resolved” The story comes to a reasonable ending.

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

Story Example Margot and Julie had been best friends since third grade. During the first week of 7 th grade Julie noticed Margot spending more time with the “popular” kids. Julie started to feel left out and forgotten. As the weeks went by, Julie and Margot talked less and less—Julie felt like she didn’t know Margot anymore. The week before Christmas break, Julie overheard Margot talking to a group of girls. Margot was calling Julie, “Jelly Julie” and laughing about Julie’s weight. Over Christmas break Margot called to invite Julie over for Christmas Eve cookies, a yearly tradition. Julie said she was grateful for the invitation, but she was going to Hope’s house this year. By their 8 th grade year Margot and Julie no longer spoke to one another, and each had their own group of friends. Julie sometimes felt sad about the loss, but felt happy that she had learned an important lesson about friendship before entering high school.

Exposition Margot and Julie had been best friends since third grade. During the first week of 7 th grade Julie noticed Margot spending more time with the “popular” kids. -Introduction of Conflict: Julie started to feel left out and forgotten.

Rising Action Julie started to feel left out and forgotten. As the weeks went by, Julie and Margot talked less and less—Julie felt like she didn’t know Margot anymore. The week before Christmas break, Julie overheard Margot talking to a group of girls. Margot was calling Julie, “Jelly Julie” and laughing about Julie’s weight.

Climax Over Christmas break Margot called to invite Julie over for Christmas Eve cookies, a yearly tradition. Julie said she was grateful for the invitation, but she was going to Hope’s house this year.

Falling Action By their 8 th grade year Margot and Julie no longer spoke to one another, and each had their own group of friends.

Resolution Julie sometimes felt sad about the loss, but felt happy that she had learned an important lesson about friendship before entering high school.

Independent Practice Anthony and Mark were shopping