1. ELEMENTS OF PLOT Adapted from information on the Alabama Learning Exchange http://alex.state.al.us/index.php WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

2. Plot Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of events that are related to one another. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

3. Plots of Adventure Stories Adventure stories are more complex than a simple beginning, middle and end. Events in adventure stories include: Reversals: characters find themselves going from good fortune to bad and back again. Setbacks: obstacles or problems that stand between the protagonist and his or her goal. There may be multiple setbacks that occur within the story. Time pressure: the protagonist may have limited time to complete his or her journey and address the primary conflict within the story. Foreshadowing: the author gives hints and cues to alert the reader to what will happen later in the story. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

4. Plot Diagram 2 1 3 4 5 Exposition Rising Action Events Climax or Turning Point Falling Action Events Resolution WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

5. 1. Exposition This is the introduction of a story. The author introduces the reader to the main character, describes the setting and the situation is established. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict or main problem. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

6. 2. Rising Action Events These events begin with an initiating event which develops the conflict. The sequence of events build interest or suspense. The main character often faces reversals and setbacks in attempting to overcome obstacles. These series of related events lead to the climax or turning point. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

7. 3. Climax This is the turning point of the story and the highest point of intensity or conflict. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict or critical decision in reaching their goal. The main character will change in some way. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

8. 4. Falling Action Events These include the events and outcome which follow the climax. The outcome signals if the character has reached their goal. The conflicts and complications begin to resolve. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

9. 5. Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending or conclusion. The conflict is resolved and reader’s questions are often answered. WGr5MP1Wk1 Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Curriculum 2.0 – Grade 5 2012

10. Plots Terms Protagonist: The central character, who is often the hero or heroine of the story. Antagonist: The opponent or rival to the protagonist. The antagonist is often the villain of the story. Reversal or Setback: An unanticipated change in progress; events go from better to worse Conflict: the central problem in the story WGr5MP1Wk1

11. Types of Conflict Character vs. Character: the main character (protagonist) has a problem with another character (antagonist). Character vs. Self: the protagonist has a problem with him or herself. This is an internal conflict, such as overcoming a fear or making a choice between right and wrong. Character vs. Nature: the protagonist has a problem with with natural forces, such as the weather. Character vs. Supernatural: the protagonist has a problem with fantastical beings such as ghosts or monsters. Character vs. Machine/Technology: the protagonist has a problem with technological advancements or artificial intelligence WGr5MP1Wk1