The Elements of Plot

Notes: 1/8/2013

What is Plot?

• Plot refers to the chain of related events that take place in a story.

• All stories have plots.

• Most plots have 5 major stages…

The 5 stages of plot

• Exposition– Introduces characters and setting– Supplies background– Sets the tone

• Rising Action– Complications arise– Suspense builds– The plot “thickens”

• Climax– Turning point of the story– Moment when the suspense reaches its peak– Results in a change for the main character– Sometimes results in a conflict or confrontation

between the protagonist and antagonist– Sometimes is the most exciting part of the story

• Falling Action– The conflict is resolved– Occurs after the climax of the story

• Resolution (Denouement)– Explains the outcome of the conflict – The loose ends of story are explained

The Brothers Grimm• The Brothers Grimm, who published their first volume of fairytales

on December 20, 1812, had a vision. They wanted to honor a piece of German cultural history that looked like it was going to be lost forever.

• At the beginning of the 19th century, Germany was divided by political unrest, power struggles and military occupations. That troubled Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. They longed for a united nation.

• So they began to research their native language and gather folk tales and myths. In doing so, they founded an entire field of research and wrote hundreds of works, including milestones such as "The German Dictionary," "German Mythology" and "German Grammar."