1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

3. Plot (definition)
Basic story structure– how the story is set up.

4. 1. Exposition- The beginning (you’re being exposed)
Introduced to:
The setting
The characters
The Drama

5. Setting The setting describes where and when the story takes place.
It helps build background and create images in the mind.
It helps set the tone or mood of the story.
Details can describe:
Time of day
Time of year
Time in History
Scenery
Weather
Location
Walsh Publishing Co. 2009

6. 2. Rising Action
The drama begins- the MAIN conflict

7. 3. Climax Turning point of the story
Usually toward the end of the story
NOT THE MIDDLE!

8. 4. Falling Action The problems begin to resolve.
Most of the time, the falling action is the resolution.

9. 5. Resolution/Denoument
The END 

10. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Toward the end- when the character makes THE DECISION
End of Story

11. Goal Reflection #2
Identify one thing you are still struggling with in regards to plot structure. If you’re not struggling, identify something you understand a bit more than you have previously.