Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Student Notes

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

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3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot Diagram

21

3

4

5

Sunday, September 8, 13

Plot (definition)

• The sequence in events in a story is called the plot.

• A plot is usually built around conflict- a problem or struggle between opposing forces.

Sunday, September 8, 13

Conflict

• External Conflict:• The struggle

between a character and an outside force.

• Might be another character(s) or nature.

• Internal Conflict:• A struggle within a

character’s mind. (A character must deal opposing thoughts or feelings).

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1. Exposition• Sets the stage for the story. Characters are

introduced, and the setting is described.• Most importantly, we are introduced to the main

conflict (main problem).

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1. Exposition• Sets the stage for the story. Characters are

introduced, and the setting is described.• Most importantly, we are introduced to the main

conflict (main problem).

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2. Rising Action• Occurs as the story continues. The

conflict begins to unfold, the plot becomes more complex and problems

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2. Rising Action• Occurs as the story continues. The

conflict begins to unfold, the plot becomes more complex and problems

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3. Climax• This is the most exciting moment or the

turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with the conflict. The main character will change in

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3. Climax• This is the most exciting moment or the

turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with the conflict. The main character will change in

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4. Falling Action• All loose ends

of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

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4. Falling Action• All loose ends

of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

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5. Resolution• The story

comes to a reasonable ending.

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5. Resolution• The story

comes to a reasonable ending.

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Putting It All Together1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

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Cinderella

1. Exposition: ____________2. Setting:_____________3. Characters:___________4. Potential conflict(s)____________5. Draw a plot diagram for this familiar fairy

tale with a partner(s). (rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

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