An Introduction to Analyzing Plot Elements Plot Structure An Introduction to Analyzing Plot Elements

Writer’s Notebook Prompt

Plot Structure Pyramid I am going to describe each of these stages of plot structure using Monsters Inc.!

Exposition Sets the scene Introduces characters Establishes point of view There is no story. . .yet

Exposition in Monsters Inc. We meet Mike and Sulley, the two main characters of the film We learn a little bit about Monstropolis, the town that they live in We also get an idea of a regular work day for them; they scare kids and use screams to provide energy for the city

Inciting Incident The story really starts when problems arise The point where the conflict is introduced Something that complicates the protagonist’s (main character’s) life

Inciting Incident in Monsters Inc. The conflict begins when Sulley accidentally brings a two-year-old girl, “Boo,” into Monstropolis This is marks the beginning of all of their problems and this is therefore the inciting incident

Rising Action The story builds Main characters are the focus Characters get deeper into trouble Many small challenges leading to the bigger goal

Rising Action in Monsters Inc. Randall, the villain is introduced Mike and Sulley work together to try and find Boo’s door so that they can send her home without having her noticed They dress her up in a cute, little monster costume and take her into where they work! Sulley starts to get really attached to Boo

Climax The moment of greatest tension The point to which all events have led- “the show stopper”

Climax in Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley find out that Randall is not only a mean monster, but is conspiring to hurt children as well Mike and Sulley learn that Randall and the boss of the company have developed a way to get more energy per kid using a harmful machine When Mike and Sulley find out, they are banished to the North Pole by the boss of the company Mike gets mad at Sulley

Falling Action Events that are the result of the climax The story nears its end Answers the question: What happens after the climax?

Falling Action in Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley become friends again They meet the Abominable Snowman and find out how to get back to Monstropolis to help save Boo

Resolution The protagonist solves the problem Characters usually change because of what has happened previously

Resolution in Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley find Boo and defeat Randall Mike and Sulley also trick their boss into admitting that he was behind this conspiracy in front of the whole company Boo gets sent home Mike and Sulley make the discovery that children’s laughter is more powerful than their screams, which resolves the energy issue

Now it’s your turn! You may work with a partner if you want (NO groups of three) Choose one of your favorite books or movies (cannot be Monsters Inc.) You will be creating a storyboard, identifying each of the elements of plot structure that we have discussed Along with a rough sketch, you must provide a description of each plot point