Elements of Plot

General Definition An author’s selection and arrangement of events in a story to shape the action and give the story focus; the structure of the story.

The Plot Chart CLIMAX FALLING ACTION RISING ACTION EXPOSITION The point of greatest tension (mentally or physically); the turning point in the action CLIMAX FALLING ACTION RISING ACTION Action which follows the climax; the end is inevitable Series of events which lead to the climax of the story; usually an increase in conflict Exposition: The mood and conditions existing at the beginning of the story. The setting is identified. The main characters with their positions, circumstances and relationships to one another are established. The exciting force or initial conflict is introduced. Sometimes called the “Narrative HOOK” this begins the conflict that continues throughout the story. Rising Action: The series of events, conflicts, and crises in the story that lead up to the climax, providing the progressive intensity, and complicate the conflict. Climax: The turning point of the story. A crucial event takes place and from this point forward, the protagonist moves toward his inevitable end. The event may be either an action or a mental decision that the protagonist makes. Falling Action: The events occurring from the time of the climax to the end of the story. The main character may encounter more conflicts in this part of the story, but the end is inevitable. Resolution/Denouement: The tying up of loose ends and all of the threads in the story. The conclusion. The hero character either emerges triumphant or is defeated at this point. EXPOSITION RESOLUTION The beginning of the story where the author gives background information on the characters, setting, plot, etc. The tying up of all the threads; the conclusion of the conflict

Conflicts General Definition – dramatic struggle between 2 opposing forces Without conflict, there is no plot 6 Types: Character vs. Self Character vs. Nature Character vs. Character Character vs. Society Character vs. Supernatural Character vs. Machine

Definitions Character vs. Character – a conflict that occurs between one character (protagonist) and another (antagonist) Character vs. Self – a conflict that occurs within the protagonist Character vs. Nature – a conflict that occurs between the protagonist and the elements of nature

Definitions Cont’d Character vs. Society - a conflict between the protagonist and a larger group Character vs. Supernatural – conflict between protagonist and a force outside the understanding of the character Character vs. Machine – conflict between protagonist & technology

Practice Identify the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution And The type of conflict that occurs