2. PLOT WHAT HAPPENS IN THE STORY 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution

3. 1. Exposition  Introduces the characters and setting  Introduces the conflict, or struggle between forces  Sets up or hints at the conflict  EX: The beautiful yacht is caught in a storm off the coast of Brazil.

4. 2. Rising Action  Shows how the conflict gets more complicated  The conflict unfolds  Building suspense in the story  EX: The yacht capsizes before sinking. Those who can swim head to a small deserted island in the far off distance.  Once the survivors reach the island, there is no food or clean water.  Stan, the captain, fearing it is his fault, takes charge because he feels they may starve to death.  MOST of the story takes place here.

5. 3. Climax  The most exciting part of the story.  A turning point in the story.  Sometimes results in a change for the main character  EX: After two days of being stranded on this island with barely any food, Stan sees a ship far off away in the distance.

6. 4. Falling Action  Eases suspense  Reveals how the main character begins to resolve the conflict.  EX: Stan immediately goes to the beach and starts a small fire in order to produce smoke to get the ship’s attention. The ship starts heading towards the deserted island.

7. 5. Resolution  Ties up loose ends  Sometimes offers an unexpected twist before the story ends.  EX: The ship lands on the deserted island and rescues the survivors. It takes them back to civilization and provides food, water, shelter, and medical attention before they all go home. Stan decides to never sail in bad weather again.