1. Elements of Plot

2. General Definition
An author’s selection and arrangement of events in a story to shape the action and give the story focus; the structure of the story.

3. The Plot Chart CLIMAX FALLING ACTION RISING ACTION EXPOSITION
The point of greatest tension (mentally or physically); the turning point in the action
CLIMAX
FALLING ACTION
RISING ACTION
Action which follows the climax; the end is inevitable
Series of events which lead to the climax of the story; usually an increase in conflict
Exposition: The mood and conditions existing at the beginning of the story. The setting is identified. The main characters with their positions, circumstances and relationships to one another are established. The exciting force or initial conflict is introduced. Sometimes called the “Narrative HOOK” this begins the conflict that continues throughout the story.
Rising Action: The series of events, conflicts, and crises in the story that lead up to the climax, providing the progressive intensity, and complicate the conflict.
Climax: The turning point of the story. A crucial event takes place and from this point forward, the protagonist moves toward his inevitable end. The event may be either an action or a mental decision that the protagonist makes.
Falling Action: The events occurring from the time of the climax to the end of the story. The main character may encounter more conflicts in this part of the story, but the end is inevitable.
Resolution/Denouement: The tying up of loose ends and all of the threads in the story. The conclusion. The hero character either emerges triumphant or is defeated at this point.
EXPOSITION
RESOLUTION
The beginning of the story where the author gives background information on the characters, setting, plot, etc.
The tying up of all the threads; the conclusion of the conflict

4. Conflicts
General Definition – dramatic struggle between 2 opposing forces
Without conflict, there is no plot
6 Types:
Character vs. Self
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Supernatural
Character vs. Machine

5. Definitions
Character vs. Character – a conflict that occurs between one character (protagonist) and another (antagonist)
Character vs. Self – a conflict that occurs within the protagonist
Character vs. Nature – a conflict that occurs between the protagonist and the elements of nature

6. Definitions Cont’d
Character vs. Society - a conflict between the protagonist and a larger group
Character vs. Supernatural – conflict between protagonist and a force outside the understanding of the character
Character vs. Machine – conflict between protagonist & technology

7. Practice
Identify the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution
And
The type of conflict that occurs