1. Building Plot into Narrative Essays

2. Basic Plot Structure Climax *Highest point of action *Turning Point
*Determines the Outcome
Falling Action
*Answers questions
*Resolves subplots
*Sets up for the resolution
Rising Action
*Builds the action
*Creates tension
*Comedy? Tragedy?
Resolution
*Establishes Setting
*Introduces Characters
*Defines the Main Conflict
*Directly answers the main conflict
*Provides closure for characters and reader
Exposition

3. Applecline’s Plot Structure
Set-up: Establishes setting, introduces the main characters, and presents some sort of problem or tension
Build-up: Intensifies conflict; challenges characters
Pay-off: Resolves conflict and provides consequences

4. Hybrid Applecline Plot graph
Build-up
Climax
Falling Action
Rising Action
Pay-off
Set-up
Resolution
Exposition

5. It has a plot, but the story still sucks. Why?
Motion: Keep the story moving, both between elements, and toward some end
Significant Consequences: Why is Transformers so good? Because if the main characters fail we all die.
Coherence: Avoid digressions. Every single element should connect to the story as a whole. If the story is about a drag race, why are you talking about the glass stain on your table?

6. Relevance
Narrative essays speak to a particular theme, question, or event in our lives. While it is important to tell a good story, make sure that the significant elements of the story (conflict, resolution, consequences) relate back to that driving question.