Plot Diagram

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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.

1. Exposition (Introduction) This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story.

Here the characters, setting, and situation are introduced. Background information tells us what happened before the story started.

2. Inciting Incidence (Complicating Incidence) This is the story’s first major plot point. It’s an

event that establishes the conflict and sets the main character upon the path towards the climax.

3. Rising Action This part of the story begins to introduce and

develop the conflict(s) or incidents that precede the climax. A building of interest or suspense occurs.

4. Climax This is the culmination of all the action and the

turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict and will change in some way.

5. Falling Action The action and details that follow the climax.

This lasts until the end of the story.

6-7. Resolution/ Denouement This is how the story ends. The final

outcome is established. Explanations and conclusions explain everything and loose ends are tied up.

Putting It All Together1. Exposition

2. Inciting Incidence

3. Rising Action

4. Climax

5. Falling Action

6. Resolution

7. Denouement

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story