Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Part I

Student Notes

Plot Diagram

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1

3

4

5

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. ExpositionThis usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. •Here the characters and setting are introduced.•Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising ActionThis part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). •A building of interest or suspense occurs.•Problems arise making the conflict difficult to resolve.

3. ClimaxThis is the turning point of the story (where EVERYTHING changes). •Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. •The main character WILL CHANGE IN SOME WAY.

4. Falling ActionAll loose ends of the plot are tied up.

•The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution• The end of the

story!

Putting It All Together1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Conflict

• There are 4 (four) different kinds of conflict a person can face:

• 1. Character vs. Character• 2. Character vs. Nature• 3. Character vs. Society• 4. Character vs. Themselves

Character vs. Character

• A character in the story has a problem with another character in the story.

Character vs. Character

• Physical fight

• Verbal fight

• Good vs. Evil

Example:

• Superheroes fighting off the villain.

Now you think of an example…

Character vs. Nature

• When the character faces a problem that is with nature; it is beyond anyone’s control.

Can you think of an example?

Character vs. Nature

• Blizzard Examples: The Wizard of Oz• Flood The Perfect Storm• Storm Titanic• Landslide• Avalanche• Animal attack• Tornado• Hurricane• Ocean troubles

Character vs. Society

• When a character has a problem with society as a whole.

• If society is stopping someone from reaching their goal.

Character vs. Society

• Gay marriage• Inter-racial marriage• Racism • Prejudice• Religion• Political reasons• War• Examples: Brokeback Mountain, Hotel Rwanda,

the 1960s counterculture, Civil Rights, Avatar

Character vs. Themselves

• If the character is not reaching their goal because of an inner conflict/struggle within themselves.

Character vs. Themselves

• Some moral struggle.

• When you want to do something but you hold yourself back.

External vs. Internal Conflict

• The four types of conflict can be labeled as either external conflict or internal conflict.

• External = outside of yourself (outside force)

• Internal = inside of yourself (inside force)

External vs. Internal Conflict

• Guess if the conflict is external or internal:

• Character vs. Character external• Character vs. Nature external• Character vs. Society external• Character vs. Themselves internal

Let’s Practice Plot and Conflict with Cinderella!

• 1. Exposition

• 2. Rising action (Conflict)

• 3. Climax

• 4. Falling Action

• 5. Resolution

• Conflict

Elements of Plot:Part II

Student Notes

CHARACTERIZATION Creating & developing a

character.

The author tells what the character looks like, does, says, or how others react to him/her.

THEME• Central message of the story

SETTING• Time and place of the story.

POINT-OF-VIEW

First Person – a character in the story is telling the story. (“I” am #1!)

Third Person – told through the eyes of ONE character/narrator. (Uses “he/she”)

Omniscient – the “all-knowing” narrator.

- Knows EVERYTHING about EVERY character.