1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 5 6 7 4 1 2 3 8

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 2. Characters
Protagonist: The leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or other literary work.
Example: Superman
Antagonist: A person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another; opponent; adversary.
Example: Lex Luther

6. 3. Setting
Setting: The place and time at which a play, novel, or film is represented as happening.

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

8. 5. 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.

9. 6. Conflict
Internal Conflict: Think about what happens on the inside (head, heart, etc.)
External Conflict: (Think outside)
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society

10. Character vs. Character
Character vs. character involves stories where characters are put against each other.
Examples: A gunfight or robbery

11. Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Nature involves a conflict with the hero against an animal or a force of nature.
*Force of nature: A natural phenomenon that humans cannot control.
Example: A character struggling with an earthquake, hurricane, blizzard, or any other weather relate thing.

12. Character vs. Society
Character vs. Society: the struggle is between the main character and a society (i.e. the government or large group)
Examples: Hunger Games: Katniss fights the government.

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

14. 8. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

15. Putting It All Together
Exposition
Characters
Setting
Rising Action
Climax
Conflict
Falling Action
Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story

16. Theme
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work.
In other words…
Theme is what the story teaches readers.

17. Characterization Direct Indirect
Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is.
Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.”
*The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is kind
Indirect
Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character.
There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)