Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

Plot (definition) Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting and background of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

Inciting Incident The event that sparks the plot or sets the tone for the whole story. This event usually happens after the exposition and before the rising action. EX: Akeela’s dad died and she started spelling words to keep her mind off of her father.

2. Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action Direct outcome of the climax. The loose ends may or may not be tied.

5. Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

Mary, Lisa & John Mary and Lisa were good friends who lived in the same neighborhood. They would often hangout as well as have sleepovers. Mary had a boyfriend named John. He was your average looking and average acting teenage boy. Even though he went out with Mary, he didn’t really like her. Lisa had a secret small crush on John. One day Mary saw Lisa and John walking in the hallway and decided to catch up with them. As she was approaching them, she overheard the conversation that they were carrying on. She heard things like “meeting up after school”, “giving hugs”, and “a possible kiss on the cheeks. Mary paused and thought to herself, “I know that I’m not tripping!” She started to get angry and red and before she knew it, she grabbed Lisa by the bookbag and yanked her back. Lisa turned around and was bombarded with a couple of quick punches from Mary. Mary then noticed that John was laughing and pointing at them both. She realized he was a total creep and realized the mistake that she had made. You should have seen how Lisa got up off that ground. Mary apologized to her friend and vowed to never fight over a boy again.