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. Types of Linear Plots Plots can be told in… Chronological order
Flashback
In addition, you can note that some stories follow a circular or episodic plot, and hypertextual stories can be different every time they’re read, as the reader chooses the direction that the story takes. If a story that students are working on does not fit into the triangle structure, think about why the author would choose a different story structure and how the structure has changed.
In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition.

5. 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).

6. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs. It’s the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax.

7. 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. It’s the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action.

8. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of. It’s all of the action which follows the climax.

9. 5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending. It’s the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads.

10. Pyramid Plot Structure
The most basic and traditional form of plot is pyramid-shaped. It does not need to be symmetrical. Often plot graphs are not.
In this graph there is little rising action and the climax happens quickly. There is a lot that happens to get to the resolution.
In this graph there is an equal amount of rising and falling action. The climax happens in the middles of the story.
In this graph there is little falling action and the climax happens near the end of the story. There is a lot that happens to get to the climax.

11. Pyramid Plot Structure (continued)
In this graph there is a lot of build up introducing the story before any of the main events take place.
This graph is also an example of a plot that has no resolution, it ends abruplty.
In this graph there is no introduction, this is often a graph for a story that begins in media res.
This is also an example of a plot that has a longer than usual conclusion, generally this would be representative of an epilogue.
MAIN POINT  There is no standard form for the plot graph, it all depends on the story.

12. Questions?