Plot Diagram and Short Story Elements

Plot Diagram A plot is the main story, broken up into 5 main parts. A plot diagram shows you how the story is organized and highlights the 5 main parts.

THE PLOT DIAGRAM

Plot Diagram Exposition – what happens first is discussed; this is where we get information on the background, setting, characters, etc. Example - Cinderella lives with her evil stepmother and stepsisters and is treated poorly. There is going to be a ball, where the prince will choose a bride. Cinderella’s step-family will not allow her to attend

Rising Action – What leads up to the main problem/conflict Example - As the step-family prepares for the ball, Cinderella wishes she may be able to attend. Her fairy godmother comes to her aid and makes it possible for her to attend the ball, but she must leave at midnight. She dances with the prince and it’s a magical moment.

Climax – The turning point of the story when the problem/conflict is at its worst; The characters find a way to solve the problem. Example - It is midnight, and Cinderella must leave so she flees from the palace and loses her glass slipper on the steps. The prince is distraught at losing his love and is determined to find her.

Falling Action – The characters begin/continue to solve the problem. Example - The prince uses the slipper to find Cinderella. He goes from house to house trying the slipper on every female in the land, searching for the slipper’s perfect fit. He tries the shoe on the stepmother and stepsisters, but it doesn’t fit.

Resolution (denouement)– how things end (the story’s ending). Example – Cinderella tries the slipper and it fits. Cinderella and the prince are reunited and married in the castle.

Reflect… Turn your paper over! Using your whiteboard, how many parts of the plot are there?

Reflect… Keep your paper over! Agree/Disagree: The rising action is where the characters are introduced.

Short Story Elements (some) Setting– the place/time when the story is being told. Sometimes this is not given and the reader needs to use the clues (context clues) to help figure the setting out.

Short Story Elements (some) Imagery– the mental picture that the author creates when certain words/phrases are put together. This helps the reader understand exactly what is going on.

Short Story Elements (some) Characters– there are several types of characters; however, we are going to focus on two. Dynamic Static

Short Story Elements (some) Static Character– a character that does not change in the story. They are the same person at the end, as they were in the beginning.

Short Story Elements (some) Dynamic Character– a character who changes by the end of the story. He/She is one who learns something important that makes them mature and/or provide insight into themselves or others.

**What do you notice about these two lists?** THINK ABOUT IT… With a partner, create a list of two things that would make a character become Dynamic. With a partner, create a list of two things that would make YOU become a dynamic character. **What do you notice about these two lists?**