The Five Elements of Plot: Reading Fiction

Why Bother Knowing the Five Elements of Plot? Understanding and using plot structure is essential! Writers, readers, and students at all levels need to understand story structure . The five elements of plot help you discuss films, novels, and fictional stories of all types.

The first element of plot is: EXPOSITION What is Exposition? Find out the setting, learn about characters, and get the tone of the story here. The setting includes two parts: where and when. You may or may not be introduced to all of the characters in this first part of the plot, but you will likely learn about the main character, or protagonist. The conflict in the plot is introduced.

The second element of plot is: RISING ACTION What is rising action? The rising actions are the events that take place on the first side of the mountain slope. As it goes up and up, you can tell it's leading to something, but what? The conflict develops further in the rising action. In the best case scenario, rising action makes you want to find out what will happen.

The third element of plot is: the CLIMAX What is the climax? Climax is the part where something big happens. It's the turning point of the plot. The climax is usually not long, but it's what you've been waiting for. The climax is the peak of the mountain, often quite intense and filled with emotion.

The fourth element of plot is: FALLING ACTION What is falling action? Now you're headed down the other side of the slope. All of the actions that happen after the climax are falling action. There is no more conflict.

The fifth element of plot is: the RESOLUTION What is the resolution? The resolution tells what ended up happening. It's the end. You're off the mountain now.

Watch the following youtube videos to help further explain the five elements of plot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6I24S72Jps&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=soxiM-QD63E