1. Plot and Conflict

2. Plot A sequence of events, causally related A sequence of events, causally related What happens in the story What happens in the story

3. Plot Arrangement Chronological Chronological –(ab ovo —at the beginning)—1 st event happens first, etc In media res In media res –The story begins in the middle of the action Episodic Episodic –Short plots occurring one after the other

4. Plot Sub-Arrangements Flashback Flashback –Past events are experienced as a memory Foreshadowing Foreshadowing –Suggesting, indicating, hinting or showing what will happen later in a story Anastrophe Anastrophe –Sequence of events chopped into segments and then scrambled

6. Plot Structure Exposition Exposition –Background Rising action Rising action –Complication Crisis Crisis –Moment of highest tension or indecision in primary conflict Climax Climax –Resolution of the crisis; rest of action inevitable Resolution/denouement Resolution/denouement –Tying up of loose ends

9. What is Conflict? A clash between opposing forces, usually forcing the main character into a dilemma.

10. Four Types of Conflict (1) Man vs. Man or Individual Conflict: One person in opposition with another One person in opposition with another Typically the simplest and least interesting kind of conflict

11. Types of Conflict (2) Man vs. Society or Social conflict: (2) Man vs. Society or Social conflict: –one person vs. a larger group; –Almost always present and significant

12. Types of Conflict (3) Man vs. Nature or Natural conflict (3) Man vs. Nature or Natural conflict –Typically, this kind of conflict involves some form of nature; –Depending on one ’ s perspective, it could be a conflict with God.

13. Types of Conflict (4) Man vs. Self (4) Man vs. Self –Or internal conflict; –Generally, the most interesting and significant when it is present; –Often the person in conflict doesn ’ t realize it.

14. How Character is viewed through Conflict Protagonist Protagonist –Central character in central conflict Antagonist Antagonist –Whoever or whatever opposes the protagonist

15. Plot and the use of suspense Suspense: The intense feeling while waiting for an outcome. Suspense: The intense feeling while waiting for an outcome. Suspense is closely related to the use of SURPRISE. Suspense is closely related to the use of SURPRISE.

16. Surprise in Literary vs. Commercial Fiction Commercial Fiction Planting false clues (intentionally leading the reader astray) Planting false clues (intentionally leading the reader astray) Trivial or sensational Trivial or sensational Happy ending Happy ending Literary Fiction Natural and logical foreshadowing Natural and logical foreshadowing Broadens or reinforces meaning Broadens or reinforces meaning Tragic ending Tragic ending (more like real life, reveals life’s complexity)