Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram Student Notes

Plot Diagram 2 Rising Action 1 Exposition 3 Climax 4 Falling Action 5 Resolution

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 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

Plot Diagram 2 Rising Action What happened in the story between the Exposition and Climax 1 Exposition Setting, characters, and problem 3 Climax Turning Point in the story, where the character changes. 4 Falling Action What happened in the story between the Climax and the resolution 5 Resolution The solution to the problem.

Island of the Blue Dolphins 2 Rising Action She slept on a rock. She could not build a fire because of the rain. Searching for a place to build her shelter. Collected materials for building a fence and shelter. 1 Exposition Karana was living alone on an island off the coast of California. Problem: She needed shelter and protection from the wild animals. 3 Climax Karana builds her shelter and kills two of the wild dogs. 4 Falling Action Karana’s now cooks in her new shelter. 5 Resolution Karana is safe and protected in her new shelter.