Plot Plot is the sequence of incidents or events that make up a story. It is the basic structure of a story, in which conflict causes us to feel suspense until that conflict is resolved at the climax. Plots often follow the following pattern:

Elements of Plot Exposition Initial incident Rising action Climax Falling action Denouement

Elements of Plot 1. Exposition: This first element is of vital importance to the short story reader. In it, the author outlines, either directly or by implication, background information that the reader must have if he/she is going to understand the story. The exposition introduces key information including; Setting (time and place) Characters Atmosphere and mood (atmosphere is the description of the setting generated by the author to create the mood)

Elements of Plot 2. The Initial Incident (sometimes called the Activating Circumstance) introduces the conflict of the story between the protagonist and the antagonist. The protagonist is the main character of a story. It is possible that the main character is not a good or moral person (example Dexter). The antagonist has conflict with the protagonist. Every story has conflict or there would be no story worth telling. There are three types of conflict: Character (humanity) vs. Character (against another person) Character (humanity) vs. Environment or Nature (against society, a group, ghosts, dysfunctional family, discrimination, the weather) Character (humanity) vs. Her/Himself (maybe the character is an alcoholic, or has problems with anger management, or is too proud or demanding or weak, etc.)

Character vs. Character

Character vs. Society/Nature/Environment

Character vs. Self

Elements of Plot 3. The Rising Action takes up most of the story. The main character (the protagonist) can’t get what they want right away or there would be no story. The antagonist is in conflict with the protagonist. The complications or problems get in the protagonist’s way. These problems generate suspense for the audience. Look at the problems and you will be able to determine the type of conflict: Character vs. Character, Character vs. Environment, or Character vs. Her\Himself. The Rising Action begins after the very first problem occurs in the Initial Incident, often referred to as the Activating Circumstance.

Elements of Plot 4. In the Climax the Rising Action builds until finally something happens to end the conflict. Maybe the protagonist wins or maybe she\he loses, either way the conflict is resolved.   5. The Falling Action helps tie up some of the loose strings of the plot and it leads quickly to the 6. Denouement which resolves any final questions the audience may have.