1. Man vs. God (or gods or Fate)
Man vs. Society
One person in opposition to a group of people (or personified characters), culture, or public opinion. The high school girl who is being pressured to conform to the risque fashion styles worn by her peers.
Man vs. Himself
One person struggling with internal conflict, temptation, or trial. The loving husband facing the temptation to steal to pay for the medicine his wife needs to live.
Man vs. Man
One person in opposition to another or a personified character. The righteous hero vs. the evil villain or two people separated by anger, envy, or an argument.
Man vs. Nature
One person against the environment, act of nature, or natural disaster. Caribbean dwellers vs. the hurricane, the stranded explorers vs. the hungry wolves.
Man vs. God (or gods or Fate)
One person in opposition to some controlling force like God or Fate. The rebellious Christian who does not want to submit to the will of God in a particular area of his life.

2. Plot Structure: Elements
Exposition
Background information that is needed to understand the story. The exposition ends with the inciting moment, the beginning action.
Rising Action
The way the characters handle the conflict or the obstacle(s) they encounter.
Climax
The turning point or point of highest tension. Sometimes called the point of no return.
Falling Action
The way the conflict is solved; a decrease in tension.
Resolution or Denoument
The conclusion or way events turn out. (Note, for a tragedy, this final section is sometimes called the catastrophe.)

3. Plot Structure: "The Gift of the Magi"

4. Plot Devices:
flashback
in medias res
cliffhanger
Chekhov's gun
dues ex machina
foreshadowing
frame story
twist ending