SHORT STORY TERMS THE PLOT

What is the plot? The plot is the sequence of events in a story The plot is made up of major events and happenings in the story from the beginning (the exposition) to the end (the resolution)

The Plot Diagram

Exposition The beginning of the story The exposition establishes the setting (where the story takes place) and introduces the characters. The conflict (the problem) is also usually introduced in the exposition

Rising Action Rising action is the events in the story that move the plot along by adding complications or expanding the conflict Rising action builds suspense to a climax, the most intense part of the story

Climax The most intense moment of the story The moment when the reader’s interest and emotional intensity reach the highest point Also referred to as “The Turning Point”

Falling Action Falling action is the events that happen after the climax, but before the end of the story The climax is getting solved Sets up the end of the story

Resolution The end of the story How the story ends as a result of the character(s) does or discover during the climax The conflict is usually resolved Loose ends are usually tied up