Plot

Sequence of events in a story, novel, or play.

PLOT PARTS:

Exposition- introduces story’s characters, setting, and situation. Exposition

Rising Action- adds complications to the story’s conflicts or problems, leading to the climax Exposition Rising Action

Climax- point of greatest interest or suspense. Exposition Rising Action Climax

Falling Action- the logical result of the climax Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action

Resolution- presents the final outcome Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Plot parts: Exposition- introduces story’s characters, setting, and situation. Rising Action- adds complications to the story’s conflicts or problems, leading to the climax Climax- point of greatest interest or suspense. Falling Action- the logical result of the climax Resolution- presents the final outcome

Theme

The central idea or lesson about life that an author conveys in a piece of literature

Stated Theme The lesson of a story is obvious and is usually stated somewhere in the story

Implied Theme Not stated directly in a story. It is conveyed through a character’s thoughts or actions or through a sequence of events.

Common Themes: Too much pride can destroy a person. Crime doesn’t pay. Don’t judge people until you have walked in their shoes. Romantic love is stronger than family loyalty It is better to tell the truth than to lie. Going through hard times can make a person stronger. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Fight for what you believe in.

Questions from “The Outside Shot”

1. Which of the following best describes the theme of this selection from The Outside Shot? A. Birds of a feather flock together. B. What goes around comes around. C. Success doesn’t come without effort. D. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

2. The passage in this lesson are about facing challenges. How does the excerpt from The Outside Shot reflect this idea?

3. Answer one of the following about The Outside Shot. Support your answer by relating your experiences to those of the characters in the passage. Have you faced challenges that required courage and determination? Do you have dreams that you know will take hard work to achiever? Do you agree with the idea that all achievement requires effort? Or do some people seem to succeed with ease? What makes success easy for some but more difficult for others?