1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

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 The exposition is 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).
The event that sets in motion the central conflict of the story is called the “Inciting Incident”

5. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). The events and challenges that lead to the climax. A building of interest or suspense occurs.

6. 3. Climax
This is the turning point or most intense moment of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The climax reveals the outcome of the conflict and a change in the character.

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

8. 5. Denouement / Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

9. Putting It All Together
Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Denouement/Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story

10. Cinderella Plot Diagram
In small groups complete a plot diagram for the fairy tale Cinderella
I. Exposition…
II. Rising Action…
III. Climax…
IV. Falling action…
V: Denouement / Resolution…
Let’s look at the “Exposition” together to get you started….

11. Cinderella Plot Diagram
I. Exposition:
Once upon a time, in a far away kingdom, there lived a girl name Cinderella. She lived with her evil step-mother and two evil step-sisters and was treated very poorly. The palace sent out invitations to all maidens in the land to attend a ball where the prince would choose a bride. Cinderella’s step-family forbids her from attending and locks her in her room.
Characters – Cinderella, evil step-mother, evil step-sisters, prince
Setting – (time) long ago, (place) a far away kingdom / palace
Conflict – Cinderella is treated very poorly
Inciting incident – Cinderella is forbidden to attend the ball and locked in her room

12. Cinderella Plot Diagram
II. Rising Action:
As the step-family prepares for the ball, Cinderella makes a secret wish that she may also be able to attend.
Her fairy godmother comes to her aid and with the help of magic makes it possible for her to attend the ball, but warns her that the magic runs out at midnight. Dressed in a beautiful gown and glass slippers Cinderella rushes off to the ball.
At the ball she dances with the prince and they start to fall in love
As the clock strikes 12, Cinderella runs home as fast as she can
Although the prince looks for her, he only finds her glass slipper. He decides to go from house to house trying the slipper on every female in the land, searching for the slipper’s perfect fit.

13. Cinderella Plot Diagram
I. III. Climax…
When he arrives at Cinderella's home he first tries the shoe on the stepmother and stepsisters, but it doesn’t fit. Cinderella tries the slipper and it fits.
IV. Falling action:
Cinderella and the prince are reunited and married in the castle.
V: Denouement / Resolution:
They live happily ever after
(all loose ends are tied up)

14. Cinderella

15. (ie. Role play, picture plot diagram, song, etc…)
Creative Plot Map
In small groups, develop a plot map of the short story “On the sidewalk bleeding” by Evan Hunter and present your story/plot map in a creative way
(ie. Role play, picture plot diagram, song, etc…)