Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram Student Notes

Plot Diagram

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 story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

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 All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

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

CONFLICT THE RISING ACTION

4 types of Conflict Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Self

Man vs. Man Characters are pitted against one another

Man vs. Society A protagonist sees something in a unique way

Man vs. Nature The hero must overcome a force of nature to meet his goal

Man vs. Society Protagonist must overcome her own nature to reach her goal

Internal vs. External Internal conflict, which takes place in a person’s mind—for example, a struggle to make a decision or overcome a feeling. –Internal conflicts are character vs. self. External conflict, which generally takes place between a person and someone or something else, such as nature, another person or persons, or an event or situation. –External conflicts may be character vs. character, character vs. nature, or character vs. society.

MOOD The feeling the author creates –The mood at a funeral might be heavy, depressing, sad, upsetting –The mood at a wedding might be romantic, happy, loving

TONE The author’s attitude toward his subject; how the author/characters sounds –The tone your mom has when she’s yelling at you might be angry, upset, mad, irritate, sarcastic –The tone you have with your mom when you are trying to get something might be caring, happy, pleasing