1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
And some literary elements…

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

3. Plot
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
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

5. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

6. 3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

7. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

8. 5. Resolution
The story comes to an ending.

9. 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

10. Point of View Who tells the story? How a story is told.
The narrator is a character in the story:
1st person point of view
The narrator is NOT a character in the story:
3rd person point of view
There’s a little more to point of view, but this is enough for today. 

11. Theme The main message of the story. The point of the story.
The life lesson or general rule that the text is trying to teach you.
This is usually why the author wrote the story. It is an opinion about life.
The theme is NEVER just one word!
There is no specific number of themes for a text.
Example: “Love can hurt.”