1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 1 2 5

3. 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.

4. Plot (continued)
In most novels, dramas, short stories and narrative poems, the plot involves both characters and a central conflict

5. Conflict A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces.
The conflict can be either internal (inside a character) or external (a force outside the character).
This force may be another character, the antagonist; a force of nature; or a social convention.

6. 1. Exposition
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

7. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

8. 2. Rising Action (cont.)
Inciting incident-occurs after the exposition and introduces the CENTRAL conflict within the story. 
Development-series of smaller conflicts that increases until it reaches a high point of interest or suspense (climax).

9. 3. Climax
This is the highest point of interest in a literary work. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.
Generally occurs near the end of the work.

10. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

11. 5. Resolution
It is the conclusion of a plot’s conflicts and complications. 
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

12. Denouement
A French term meaning "unraveling" or "unknotting," used to describe the resolution of the plot following the climax.
Any events that occur after the resolution make up the denouement

13. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story