1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot

2. 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.

3. Only THREE Real Story Plots?
Some say that there are only three real story plots:
someone goes on a journey
a stranger comes to town
boy meets girl
"Plot" doesn’t just tell what happened; it tells why it happened.

4. The Mountain Plot 3 4 2 1 5

5. 1. 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).

6. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

7. 3. 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.

8. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

9. 5. Resolution/Denouement
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

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

11. THEME! Final Thought… Again,
"Plot" doesn’t just tell what happened; it tells why it happened.
Which brings us full circle back to
THEME!

12. 10th Grade The Hero’s Journey (see figure 2)
As described by Foster, the hero’s journey plot is common. It involves a specific pattern of stages, which might be graphically represented as a circle, since this plot begins with the hero’s departure and ends with his/her return to society:
call to adventure
journey through unfamiliar world; hero is tested
supreme ordeal
reward
return and reintegration into society
One example of this plot is the first "Star Wars" film, in which Luke gets the call to adventure when he finds Princess Leia’s recorded plea for help. He resists, but finally does leave with his guide, Ben Kenobi, to travel through unfamiliar lands, learn new things, and have his strength and character tested in various adventures. His supreme ordeal culminates in the explosion of the Death Star, and Luke is then rewarded and reintegrated into society in the final ceremony scene.
10th Grade