1. Most stories have a plot with SIX parts…
The sequence of events in a story
….like a
road map
of the story’s
events……..
Most stories have a plot with SIX parts…

2. Six Parts of Plot 1 4 3 5 2 Climax Rising Action Falling Action
Resolution or Dénouement
Narrative Hook 6 1 2
Exposition

3. 1. Exposition gives background information
tells where the story takes place
usually introduces the characters
Example:
Bob and Bo live in a small town near Austin during the 1950’s. They
grew up next door to one another and were once close friends.

4. 2. Narrative Hook (inciting incident)
introduction of the story problem or conflict
may be later on in the book; not
necessarily at the beginning of the story or
novel… may be after rising action
Example:
If someone is ALREADY angry, we, as readers, may find out why he/she first became angry later; even though other things at the beginning of the story add to the anger.

5. 3. Rising Action
a series of events or problems that lead the main characters to deal with a major conflict. There can be many rising actions in a short story or novel.
reveals the problem(s) or conflict(s) of the story
Example:
As adults, Bob and Bo own the two auto repair shops in town and are now fierce rivals. Bob spreads a rumor that Bo is cheating his customers. In retaliation, Bo paints his shop’s name over Bob’s new advertising signs.

6. 4. Climax part of the story when the conflict is dealt with
usually the most intense part of the plot
the “turning point” of the story
Example:
Bob and Bo both happen to be at the local diner one night, and after hollering insults across the room, they have a fist-fight.

7. Bob wins the fight, and Bo ends up in the hospital.
5. Falling Action
explains the result(s) of the climax
Example:
Bob wins the fight, and Bo ends up in the hospital.

8. 6. Resolution/Denouement
shows how the problem or conflict
is solved
ties up all the loose ends of the story
BE CAREFUL – some short stories do not
have a resolution
Example:
Bob realizes that he never wanted to hurt his childhood friend, so he visits Bo at the hospital. He asks Bo for forgiveness, and their friendship is rekindled.

9. Typical Plot Map There are often more than three rising action
events in
a story,
especially
in a novel!
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Rising Action
Falling Action
Rising Action
Resolution
Narrative Hook
The plot map is a flow map with a modified shape.
When creating a plot map, always use complete
sentences in each box!
Exposition

10. SETTING Tells where and when a story takes place
Usually revealed in the exposition
Can have a huge impact on the story
* Sets the mood
- Charming old house vs. dark, mysterious mansion
* In a novel that is historical fiction, the setting is a vital part of the story, affecting characters’ lives and major story events.
- The story of a Holocaust survivor could NOT have taken place in Hawaii in the 1960’s!