Plot StructureAn Introduction to Analyzing Plot Elements

Writer’s Notebook Prompt

Plot Structure Pyramid

I am going to describe each of these stages of plot structure using Monsters Inc.!

ExpositionSets the scene

Introduces characters

Establishes point of view

There is no story. . .yet

Exposition in Monsters Inc.

We meet Mike and Sulley, the two main characters of the film

We learn a little bit about Monstropolis, the town that they live in

We also get an idea of a regular work day for them; they scare kids and use screams to provide energy for the city

Inciting Incident

The story really starts when problems arise

The point where the conflict is introduced

Something that complicates the protagonist’s (main character’s) life

Inciting Incident in Monsters Inc.

The conflict begins when Sulley accidentally brings a two-year-old girl, “Boo,” into Monstropolis

This is marks the beginning of all of their problems and this is therefore the inciting incident

Rising Action

The story builds

Main characters are the focus

Characters get deeper into trouble

Many small challenges leading to the bigger goal

Rising Action in Monsters Inc.

Randall, the villain is introduced

Mike and Sulley work together to try and find Boo’s door so that they can send her home without having her noticed

They dress her up in a cute, little monster costume and take her into where they work!

Sulley starts to get really attached to Boo

Climax

The moment of greatest tension

The point to which all events have led- “the show stopper”

Climax in Monsters Inc.Mike and Sulley find out that Randall is not only a mean monster, but is conspiring to hurt children as well

Mike and Sulley learn that Randall and the boss of the company have developed a way to get more energy per kid using a harmful machine

When Mike and Sulley find out, they are banished to the North Pole by the boss of the company

Mike gets mad at Sulley

Falling Action

Events that are the result of the climax

The story nears its end

Answers the question: What happens after the climax?

Falling Action in Monsters Inc.

Mike and Sulley become friends again

They meet the Abominable Snowman and find out how to get back to Monstropolis to help save Boo

Resolution

The protagonist solves the problem

Characters usually change because of what has happened previously

Resolution in Monsters Inc.

Mike and Sulley find Boo and defeat Randall

Mike and Sulley also trick their boss into admitting that he was behind this conspiracy in front of the whole company

Boo gets sent home

Mike and Sulley make the discovery that children’s laughter is more powerful than their screams, which resolves the energy issue

Now it’s your turn!You may work with a partner if you want (NO groups of three)

Choose one of your favorite books or movies (cannot be Monsters Inc.)

You will be creating a storyboard, identifying each of the elements of plot structure that we have discussed

Along with a rough sketch, you must provide a description of each plot point