1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

3. Plot (definition) Plot is the organized steps
or sequence of events that make up a story

4. 1. Exposition Usually occurs at the beginning.
Introduces characters, setting and the conflict (main problem).
Main Conflict Ends Exposition and Introduces Rising Action

5. 1.5 Inciting Incident
An event that puts the protagonist against the antagonist
Sets the story in motion

6. 2. Rising Action Begins to develop the conflict(s).
Building of interest or suspense occurs.
Protagonist works to solve conflict.

7. 3. Climax Highest point of tension/turning point
Protagonist and Antagonist end their conflict.
End of conflict ends climax

8. 4. Falling Action
Tension decreases.
Ties up loose ends

9. 5. Resolution Shows how the characters have changed.
The end of the story

10. 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

11. Hansel And Gretel

12. 1. Exposition Tiny cottage, woodcutter, stepmother and two kids.
No food in the cupboard
Stepmother complains to father everyday about feeding the kids.

13. 1.5 Inciting Incident
Stepmother convinces Father to get rid of the kids.
Kids have to figure out a way to save themselves.

14. 2. Rising Action Hansel drops white rocks, leads them back home.
Father leads them back into the forest.
Kids have bread, leaves trail again.
Birds eat trail, come across Candy House.

15. 2. Rising Action Cont. Witch locks Hansel in cage to fatten him up.
Gretel made to clean house

16. 3. Climax Witch tells Gretel to light oven to cook Hansel.
Gretel acts like oven isn’t hot enough.
When Witch checks, Gretel pushes her in and closes the door, killing the Witch.

17. 4. Falling Action Gretel frees Hansel.
Children leave the house safely with her treasure.

18. 5. Resolution Children run home, find father weeping.
He has left the Stepmother.
They live happily ever after.