1. Plot Structure Analyzing plot points

2. A plot structure pyramid

3. Exposition  Set the scene  Introduce characters  Establish point of view  There is no story… yet

4. Exposition in Finding Nemo  Marlin’s cautious nature is shown when he goes in and out of the home indefinitely  Nemo’s ‘lucky fin’ is revealed, showing that he was physically affected by the barracuda attack.  We also see that Nemo is a regular kid, annoyed by his father’s worrying.  Marlin is socially awkward, revealed through his terribly unfunny joke.

5. Inciting incident  The story starts where the trouble starts  Create conflict  Complicate your protagonist ’ s life  Protagonist = main character

6. Inciting incident in Finding Nemo  When does the conflict truly begin?  Nemo is taken by the divers  It is the origin of the next act, the rising action

7. Rising action  The story builds  Key characters are in focus  Characters are in trouble  Many small challenges leading to the bigger goal

8. Rising action in Finding Nemo  Dory!  Marlin encounters the sharks.  Marlin goes through the jellyfish.  Meets Crush  Nemo gains the friendship of the aquarium fish.  Nemo attempts to escape the aquarium.

9. Climax  The moment of greatest tension  The point to which all events have led  Characters act

10. Climax in Finding Nemo  The search for Nemo intersects with Nemo’s own adventures in the dentist’s office.  The climax continues into the ocean, reaching its peak when Nemo rescues the fish trapped in a net.

11. Falling action  Events are a result of the climax  The story nears its end  What is the fallout from the climax?

12. Falling action in Finding Nemo  Nemo saves Dorie  Marlin learns to trust his son.

13. Resolution  The protagonist solves the problem  Characters change because of the journey

14. Resolution in Finding Nemo  Marlin finally tells his whole joke.  Marlin is no longer over protective of his son.  Nemo is confident and happy.