1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 4 3 5 2 1 6 Climax Rising action Falling action
Exposition 5
Narrative “hook” 2
Resolution 1 6

3. Plot (definition)
Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

4. 1. Narrative Hook
This "hooks" the reader's attention right at the OPENING of the story so that he or she will keep on reading. The "opening" may consist of several paragraphs for a short story, or several pages for a novel, but ideally it is the opening sentence.
One of the most common forms is dramatic action, which engages the reader into wondering what the consequences of the action will be.
Ex: narrative voice stating that we (humans) traveled to Pandora after our home (earth) was “used up.”

5. 2. Exposition
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).
Ex: Jake Sully deboarding space craft, walking around army base, and hearing of the dangerous jungle creatures and natives of Pandora.

6. 3. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.
Ex: viewer learns that there is a group of natives on Pandora that are in the way of the humans getting the precious natural resource they want, Jake becomes native himself, etc…

7. 4. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.
Ex: Jake becomes leader of natives and leads battle of large scale to protect native’s magic tree.

8. 5. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.
Ex: Jake and natives win battle, “deport” all but “good” humans OFF of Pandora, back to Earth.

9. 6. Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending.
Ex: Jake’s spirit is transferred to the native body, and he is allowed to live in peace and love with his new people.

10. Putting It All Together
1 / 2. Narrative hook & Exposition
3. Rising Action
4. Climax
5. Falling Action
6. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story