1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

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
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting, the where and when, of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

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

6. 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.

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

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

9. Additional Plot and Setting Elements
Conflict
Internal
External
Foreshadowing
Suspense
Flashback
Mood

10. Conflict: a problem or struggle for the main character
Internal
Inside a character’s heart or mind
External
Outside of the character
Can be against nature, another character, or a group of people

11. Foreshadowing Clues that hint at what will happen later in the plot
Used to help readers stay interested
Builds suspense

12. Suspense
Uncertainty or anxiety felt about what is going to happen next in a story
Writer’s create suspense in the following ways:
Create interesting characters who are involved in conflicts which you can relate
Created when writers slow down, speed up or interrupt plot events through flashback and flash-forward

13. Flashback & Mood
The interruption of a current scene with a scene from an earlier time
Flashback is used to:
Deepen the understanding of a situation
Reveal details of a character’s past
Mood
The atmosphere of a story
The readers emotional reaction
Created through details and descriptions of the setting, etc.

14. Mood
The atmosphere of a story