What are the elements of plot?

Five Elements of Plot Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution Exposition

Exposition: “to expose” Introduction to setting and characters Introduces conflict

Rising Action Presents complications that intensify the conflict Builds suspense

CLIMAX! TURNING POINT Makes the outcome of the conflict clear Often considered the most exciting part CLIMAX!

Falling Action: Eases suspense Reveals outcome of climax Shows how the main character begins to resolve conflict

Resolution Final outcome Ties up loose ends

Characters Main Characters – Take part in most of the action People, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in action. Main Characters – Take part in most of the action Others are called minor characters.

Two types of characters… Static Dynamic These characters stay the same These characters change as a result of the events in the story

Characterization (Indirect Vs. Direct) Indirect – You have to guess what a character is like based on text clues. Direct – The author states exactly what a character is like in the text.

Setting The time and place a story takes place. Can be real or imaginary. Can take place in the past, present, or future.

Flashback – What is it? An account of conversation, episode or event that happened before the beginning of the story, or at an earlier point. What does it do? Interrupts the current action to describe earlier events Shows how past events lead up to present situations. Provides background information about a character or event

Foreshadowing – What is it? A writer’s use of hints or clues in early scenes to suggest events that will occur later. What does it do? Prepares readers for events that come later – often in the climax or resolution. Creates suspense. Makes readers eager to keep reading.

External Internal What is conflict? A fight, battle, or struggle. A disagreement, controversy or quarrel. An incompatibility or interference. Struggle between character and outside force. Another character, group of characters or force of nature. External A characters struggle in his/her mind. Character deals with opposing thoughts or feelings. Internal

What are the kinds of conflict? Man vs. Man Man vs. Self Man vs. Society Man vs. Circumstances

Man vs. Man Physical Leading character struggles with his physical strength against other men, forces of nature, or animals. Man vs. Self Psychological The leading character struggles with himself/herself; with his/her own soul, ideas of right or wrong, physical limitations, choices, etc.

Man vs. Circumstances Classical The leading character struggles against fate, or the circumstances of life facing him/her. Man vs. Society Social The leading character struggles against ideas, practices, or customs of other people.

Theme “The Big Idea” of a piece of writing WORDS/PHRASES – NOT FULL SENTENCES Themes can be revealed by: Title Key phrases and statements about big ideas The ways that characters change and the lessons they learn Repetitive statements