1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot EQ: How do we identify the elements of a plot and how does that help us understand the story?

2. Plot (definition) Organized sequence of events that make up a story. What happens to the characters in the story – the events and actions within a story and how they link together.

3. Pyramid Plot Structure The most basic and traditional form of plot is pyramid-shaped.

4. Plot Diagram 2 1 3 4 5

5. 1. Conflict (exposition) Usually near the beginning of a story. Characters are introduced. We learn about the setting. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

6. 2. Rising Action Develops the conflict(s) with details. Builds interest or suspense.

7. 3. Climax Turning point of the story. Main character comes face to face with a conflict. Main character will change in some way.

8. 4. Falling Action Events after the climax Conflict or main problem is taken care of.

9. 5. Resolution Story comes to a reasonable ending Ties together loose threads, sometimes telling us the theme.

10. Rising Action In most stories, most of the action is before the climax and the action after the climax is much shorter. Why do you think this is so? Climax Falling Action

11. To diagram a plot, we simplify our shape to a triangle so that it will be easier.

12. Putting It All Together 1. Conflict (exposition) 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

13. Plot Components review Conflict (Exposition): the situation before the action starts, i ntroduce characters, setting, conflict Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads

14. Plots can be arranged in: Chronological order Flashback In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition

15. Conflict Conflict is the struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.

16. Protagonist Antagonist

17. Types of Conflict Character vs Nature Character vs Society Character vs Self Character vs Character Interpersonal Conflict Internal Conflict