1. Literary Elements
Plot Structure

2. Plot
The arrangement of ideas and/or incidents that make up a story

3. Exposition
The introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understanding the story

4. Conflict Struggle between opposing forces
The essence of fiction. Conflict creates plot
Often there are numerous kinds of conflict taking place at one time
What is the conflict?
What type of conflict is it?
Four kinds of conflict: man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, man vs. self
See Conflict power-point for extended conflict lesson

5. Rising Action Intensification of conflict
Events leading up to the climax

6. Climax The high point of the story for the reader
Moment of highest interest and greatest emotion
The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted

7. Falling Action
The events after the climax which close the story

8. Resolution
The way the story turns out

9. Plot Pyramid Climax Rising Action Falling Action Conflict Exposition
Resolution