1. Plot, Conflict, Setting, Foreshadowing, Sequence
Review Unit 1
Plot, Conflict, Setting, Foreshadowing, Sequence

2. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

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 Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

5. 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).

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

7. 3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

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

9. 5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

10. 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

11. Conflict
External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force.
character versus character
character versus society
character versus nature

12. Conflict
Internal conflict—struggle between opposing needs or desires or emotions within a character.
character versus himself or herself

13. Conflict Quick Check What type of conflict does the character face?
“Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”
I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly.
from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier

14. Conflict Quick Check What type of conflict does the character face?
“Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”
I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly.
from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier
Internal conflict. She has to decide whether to join in or not.

15. Foreshadowing
Giving hints or clues about events that are going to happen later in the plot is called foreshadowing.

16. Examples of Foreshadowing
“The dog woke suddenly from his nap. He stretched and yawned. Then he took up his position at the window, listening carefully for the school bus.”
What event does this foreshadow?

17. Foreshadowing in “Lob’s Girl”
The sign on the road leading into the village is described as “dangerous” suggests that something bad might happen on the road.
The way Sandy walks to Aunt Becky’s is described as “through the dusk” and up a “steep hill.”
Lob was dripping wet and “shook his head as if to dislodge something heavy that was tied around his neck.”

18. Sequence of Events The order in which events happen in a story.
Words that signal sequence: the next day, this morning, at 10 o’clock, at the same time, then, tomorrow.
What other sequence words can you name?

19. Setting Time and place where the action occurs Details that describe:
Furniture
Scenery
Customs
Transportation
Clothing
Dialects
Weather
Time of day
Time of year