1. Plot Structure Elements

2. Exposition
The first part of the plot- the opening of the story where characters, setting, and conflict(s) are introduced.

3. Conflict: The “Fuel” of the Narrative
INTERNAL
When the conflict takes place inside the character’s mind.
EXTERNAL
Between 2 characters
Between 1 character and other people
Between 1 character and external forces (such as nature, environment, etc.)

4. The greater the conflict, the more we care about the outcome!

5. Rising Action
The events that precede the climax– the deepening conflicts and struggles of the protagonist. This is often the longest part of a story/novel.

6. Climax
The key scene of the story– the tense/terrifying moment when our emotional involvement is at its greatest. This determines the outcome of the conflict.

7. Falling Action
The falling action is the sequence of events that follow the climax and end in the resolution. This is in contrast to the rising action.

8. Dénouement (Also known as the resolution)
French for unraveling the knot. Now all struggles are over– this is the closure to the story.