Story Structure

Narrative Structure

We will use “When Gertrude Grew Great” as an example.

Plot

Things that happen in the story.

Example

Gertrude talks to her teacher.

Gertrude has a dream.

Setting

Example

At a middle school in the present day.

10 years into the future.

When and where the story takes place.

Conflict

Example

Gertrude does just enough to get by.

The problem in the story.

ClimaxThe turning point of the story.

Many climaxes have the main character…

• learn a lesson• change

Example

Gertrude dreams of the future.

Narrative Structure

• Most stories can be broken into four parts.

• Identifying the turning point is the key.

Rising Action

Things that happen before the climax.

Example

Gertrude gets ‘C’s.

Gertrude talks with her teacher.

Falling Action

Things that happen after the climax.

Example

Gertrude tries harder.

Gertrude becomes great.

Resolution

How the story ends.

Example

Gertrude gets a job and her own place.

Narrative Structure

Story

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Tips for Identifying

• Everything revolves around the climax.

• Climax is not always the most exciting part of the story.

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Setting given

Main characters introduced

Basic informa-tion given to understand plot

Main conflict introduced

Turning point in the plot

Crisis point or point of greatest tension

Minor plot developments are resolved Main conflict

is resolved

Protagonist involved in resolution

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Time

ExpositionSettingWhere = geographic locationWhen = date, season, time of dayWhy = the situation in which the

story is set (context)

Main Characters Protagonist/Name (Flat, Round, Dynamic, Static) Antagonist/Name (Flat, Round,Dynamic, Static)

Basic Plot

Rising ActionMain conflict is introduced Indicate type of conflictInternal conflict or External?Character vs. characterCharacter vs. natureCharacter vs. society

ClimaxTurning Point May also be the event that involves the point of greatest tension or crisis

Falling Action

Minor plot developments are resolved

ResolutionMain conflict is resolved Resolution must involve the protagonist or it is not the resolution