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 of the story and get any background information that is important to the story.
Setting (time and place)
Character description
Background information

5. 2. Rising Action
This is where the conflict is introduced. The rising action is also where suspense is building toward the climax. There can be many conflicts in a story, but usually there is one main conflict that drives the plot. The book starts getting good. The longest part of the story.

6. 3. Climax
This is usually the most exciting part of the story. This is the point where the main character comes face to face with the main conflict. He or she must make a choice or take action to change the outcome of the story.

7. 4. Falling Action
This is where the main conflict is resolved. Other conflicts can be solved here as well. This is what happens after the main character takes action or makes a choice.

8. 5. Resolution
This is how the story ends up after the conflict is resolved. How does everything turn out?
After the dust has settled…

9. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

10. 1. Exposition
Peak is a young boy who lives in new York with his mom and step dad.
Peak has two sisters who are twins.
Peak attends a special school for gifted children.
Peak’s real father is a famous mountain climber.
Peak does not see his father often.

11. 2. Rising Action
Peak gets caught climbing a sky scraper and is arrested.
The judge wants to make an example of Peak.
Peak’s father lies to his mother about taking Peak to school.
Peak is going to try to be the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest.
Sun Jo is Peak’s friend and would benefit from being the youngest to climb Mt. Everest.
Peak is angry at his father for not being there for him.

12. 3. Climax
Peak is almost to the summit and Sun Jo is with him. Peak must decide if he is going to summit Mt. Everest or let Sun Jo have the glory.
Peak decides to let Sun Jo be the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest.

13. 4. Falling Action Peak goes back down the mountain and returns home.
Sun Jo Makes it to the top of Everest.
Peak and his father make up.

14. 5. Resolution
Peak makes it back in time for the twin’s birthday party.
Peak realizes that his life is pretty good.

15. Plot Diagram
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Resolution
Exposition