1. We will use “When Gertrude Grew Great” as an example.
Story Structure
Narrative Structure
We will use “When Gertrude Grew Great” as an example.

2. Things that happen in the story.
Plot
Things that happen in the story.
Example
Gertrude talks to her teacher.
Gertrude has a dream.

3. When and where the story takes place.
Setting
When and where the story takes place.
Example
At a middle school in the present day.
10 years into the future.

4. The problem in the story.
Conflict
The problem in the story.
Example
Gertrude does just enough to get by.

5. The turning point of the story.
Climax
The turning point of the story.
Many climaxes have the main character…
learn a lesson
change
Example
Gertrude dreams of the future.

6. Narrative Structure Most stories can be broken into four parts.
Identifying the turning point is the key.

7. Things that happen before the climax.
Rising Action
Things that happen before the climax.
Example
Gertrude gets ‘C’s.
Gertrude talks with her teacher.

8. Things that happen after the climax.
Falling Action
Things that happen after the climax.
Example
Gertrude tries harder.
Gertrude becomes great.

9. Resolution How the story ends. Example
Gertrude gets a job and her own place.

10. Narrative Structure Story Climax Falling Action Resolution
Rising Action
Story
Resolution

11. Tips for Identifying Everything revolves around the climax.
Climax is not always the most exciting part of the story.

12. DRAMATIC STRUCTURE CHART
Turning point in the plot
Crisis point or point of greatest tension
Main conflict introduced
Minor plot developments are resolved
Setting given
Main characters introduced
Basic informa-tion given to understand plot
Plot Development/Level of Tension
Main conflict is resolved
Protagonist involved in resolution
Time
Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

13. Exposition Where = geographic location
Setting
Where = geographic location
When = date, season, time of day
Why = 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

14. Rising Action Internal conflict or External?
Main conflict is introduced
Indicate type of conflict
Internal conflict or External?
Character vs. character
Character vs. nature
Character vs. society

15. Climax
Turning Point
May also be the event that involves the point of greatest tension or crisis

16. Falling Action
Minor plot developments are resolved

17. Resolution
Main conflict is resolved Resolution must involve the protagonist or it is not the resolution