1. The Structure of a Story
Plot
The Structure of a Story

2. What constitutes a “perfect story”?
Discuss
What constitutes a “perfect story”?
In your opinion, what elements or qualities must a great story have?

3. Definition of Plot
Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidences that are related to each other.
Plot Structure is the way in which the story elements are arranged.

4. Why is plot important?
The plot draws the reader into the characters’ lives and helps the reader understand the choices that the characters make.
Authors make their stories interesting by manipulating plot structure to create suspense, intrigue, anticipation, and conflict.

5. Plot diagram Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution/
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

6. Exposition The exposition occurs at the beginning of the
story. Here we are introduced to the main
characters, setting, and the main conflict.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

7. Rising Action The rising action is a series of conflicts or
events leading up to the climax.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

8. Climax This is the turning point in the story. Usually
the main character comes face to face with the
conflict. During the climax the main character
usually changes in some way.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

9. Falling Action During falling action, loose ends of the plot are
tied up and the main conflicts are resolved.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

10. Resolution During the resolution, the story comes to a
reasonable conclusion.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution/
Dénouement

11. Plot of Cinderella
Climax=The prince tries the slipper on Cinderella and it fits.
Rising Action=The king invites all single women to a ball to meet his son. Cinderella’s fairy godmother puts a spell on her, so she can attend. The Prince falls in love with her, but she runs away leaving a glass slipper behind.
Falling Action=The stepsisters apologize for being mean. Cinderella forgives them.
Exposition=Cinderella is a beautiful girl trapped in her stepmother’s house. She has three mean stepsisters and must do all the housework. Both her mother and father died.
Resolution=Cinderella marries the prince and lives happily ever after.

12. Your Turn
Create a plot line that looks like the previous slide for the story “The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant.”