What is Plot? The sequence of events in a short story. Plots usually follow a pattern you can recognize.
1. Exposition This is the beginning of the story where you meet the characters and find out about the setting. Exposition (Intro to characters and setting)
Exposition: Cinderella Characters: Cinderella, evil stepmother, stepsisters Setting: long ago, Cinderella’s house
2. Conflict First, the writer describes a conflict, which is a struggle between opposing sides or forces. The conflict or problem is introduced. Exposition
Conflict in Cinderella There is going to be a ball, where the prince will choose a bride. Cinderella’s step-family won’t allow her to attend.
3. Rising Action The conflict gets more and more intense as the story moves to a high point. Rising Action Exposition Conflict
Rising Action in Cinderella Cinderella’s fairy godmother makes it possible for her to attend the ball, but she must leave at midnight. She dances with the prince and it’s a magical moment.
4. Climax After the conflict becomes intense, it reaches a climax. The climax is the point at which the conflict is greatest. It’s the most exciting part of the story! Climax Exposition Conflict Rising Action
Climax in Cinderella It’s midnight and Cinderella must leave so she flees from the palace and loses her glass slipper on the steps!
5. Falling Action After the climax of the story has taken place, there are sometimes a few quick events that lead to the end of the story. Sometimes, there is no falling action. Climax Conflict Rising Action Falling action
Falling Action in Cinderella The prince uses the slipper to find Cinderella. He tries the slipper on every female in the land, including the stepsisters, but it doesn’t fit.
Climax Exposition Conflict Rising Action Resolution 6. Resolution After the climax you learn the resolution, or outcome of the conflict, before the story ends. Falling action
Resolution in Cinderella Cinderella tries the slipper on and it fits! Cinderella and the prince get married and live happily ever after.
Rikki Tikki-Tavi Vocabulary Revived: brought back to life or consciousness Synonym: resususcitated Antonym: suffocated
Immensely: something done with the largest amount possible Synonyms: enormously, hugely Antonyms: slightly
Mourning: the expression of sorrow or grief after something is lost Synonym:sadness Antonyms: joy, happiness
Veranda: an open porch, usually with a roof Synonym: balcony
Consolation: something that comforts a disappointed person Synonym:sympathy
Cunning: trying to trick or cheat others Synonym: sneaky Antonym: honestly
Valiant: brave or courageous Synonym: heroic Antonym: cowardly
Scornfully: expressing something in a way that shows dislike or disrespect Synonym: rude, disrespect Antonym: polite, respectful