The Structure of a Story Plot The Structure of a Story

What constitutes a “perfect story”? Discuss What constitutes a “perfect story”? In your opinion, what elements or qualities must a great story have?

Definition of Plot Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidences that are related to each other. Plot Structure is the way in which the story elements are arranged.

Why is plot important? The plot draws the reader into the characters’ lives and helps the reader understand the choices that the characters make. Authors make their stories interesting by manipulating plot structure to create suspense, intrigue, anticipation, and conflict.

Plot diagram Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution/ Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Exposition The exposition occurs at the beginning of the story. Here we are introduced to the main characters, setting, and the main conflict. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Rising Action The rising action is a series of conflicts or events leading up to the climax. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Climax This is the turning point in the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with the conflict. During the climax the main character usually changes in some way. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Falling Action During falling action, loose ends of the plot are tied up and the main conflicts are resolved. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Resolution During the resolution, the story comes to a reasonable conclusion. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution/ Dénouement

Plot of Cinderella Climax=The prince tries the slipper on Cinderella and it fits. Rising Action=The king invites all single women to a ball to meet his son. Cinderella’s fairy godmother puts a spell on her, so she can attend. The Prince falls in love with her, but she runs away leaving a glass slipper behind. Falling Action=The stepsisters apologize for being mean. Cinderella forgives them. Exposition=Cinderella is a beautiful girl trapped in her stepmother’s house. She has three mean stepsisters and must do all the housework. Both her mother and father died. Resolution=Cinderella marries the prince and lives happily ever after.

Your Turn Create a plot line that looks like the previous slide for the story “The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant.”