1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

3. Plot
Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.

4. 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.

5. Types of Linear Plots Plots can be told in Chronological order
Flashback
In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition

6. Aristotle’s Unified Plot
The basic triangle-shaped plot structure was described by Aristotle in 350 BCE. Aristotle used the beginning, middle, and end structure to describe a story that moved along a linear path, following a chain of cause and effect as it works toward the solution of a conflict or crisis.

7. Freytag’s Plot Structure
Freytag modified Aristotle’s system by adding a rising action (or complication) and a falling action to the structure. Freytag used the five-part design shown above to describe a story’s plot.

8. 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).

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

10. Plot: Conflict
Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.

11. Plot: Types of Conflict
Character vs Character
Character vs Nature
Character vs Society
Character vs Self

12. Plot: Character vs. Character Conflict
This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with another character, human or not human.
“The new one is the most beautiful of all; he is so young and pretty.” And the old swans bowed their heads before him.
Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wing; for he did not know what to do, he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had been persecuted and despised for his ugliness, and now he heard them say he was the most beautiful of all the birds.
The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson

13. Plot: Character vs. Nature Conflict
This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with the forces of nature, which serve as the antagonist.
It´s a Truffula Seed.
It´s the last one of all!
You´re in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds.
And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.
Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.
Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.
Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.
Then the Lorax
and all of his friends
may come back.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

14. Plot: Character vs. Society Conflict
This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a community, society, culture, etc.
“I’m tired of living in a hole,” said Jenny.
“Let’s fight for freedom!” cried Bouncer. “We’ll be soldiers! Rough-riding Rowdies! I’ll be the general and commander-in-chief!”
The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg

15. Plot: Character vs. Self Conflict
In this type of conflict, the main character experiences some kind of inner conflict.
Finally, Sam’s father said, “Go to bed now. But before you go to sleep, Sam, tell yourself the difference between REAL and MOONSHINE.”
Sam, Bangs & Moonshine by Evaline Ness

16. 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.

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

18. 5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

19. Plot Components
Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action
Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax
Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax
Exposition: the start of the story, the situation before the action starts
Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads

20. 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