Elements of Plot

Plot Diagram ExpositionResolution Rising Action Falling Action Climax

Plot A series of related events that make up the story. When you summarize a story you are explaining the plot.

Setting The time and place a story takes place Time of day, week, month, year, etc Place: city, country, state, room, building, etc

Exposition The start of the story. The basic situation of the story is introduced. The main characters and setting are introduced.

Rising Action Series of events that build up to the climax. Conflicts begin to develop and suspense and interest builds

Climax The turning point in the story Usually the protagonist comes face to face with the conflict. Often the time of most excitement While reading, its when you usually say, “Ooohhh, I see where this is going.”

Falling Action The events following the climax and before the resolution

Resolution How the story ends or is resolved.

Protagonist The main character of a story

Antagonist The character that works AGAINST the main character.

Theme Lesson learned

Conflict A struggle between two opposing forces

Types of Conflict External (outside) Person vs. Person: fight, argument Person vs. Nature: tornado, storm, bear Person vs. Society: go against an organization, group, or societal “norm” Internal (inside) Person vs. Self: making a decision