1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

2. Plot Diagram 4 3 5 6 7 1 2

3. 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.

4. 1. Exposition (Introduction)
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters, setting, and situation are introduced. Background information tells us what happened before the story started.

5. 2. Inciting Incidence (Complicating Incidence)
This is the story’s first major plot point. It’s an event that establishes the conflict and sets the main character upon the path towards the climax.

6. 3. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to introduce and develop the conflict(s) or incidents that precede the climax. A building of interest or suspense occurs.

7. 4. Climax
This is the culmination of all the action and the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict and will change in some way.

8. 5. Falling Action
The action and details that follow the climax. This lasts until the end of the story.

9. 6-7. Resolution/ Denouement
This is how the story ends. The final outcome is established. Explanations and conclusions explain everything and loose ends are tied up.

10. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Inciting Incidence
3. Rising Action
4. Climax
5. Falling Action
6. Resolution
7. Denouement
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story