2. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram Part I Student Notes

3. Plot Diagram 2 1 3 4 5

4. 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.

5. 1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters and setting are introduced. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

6. 2. Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs. Problems arise making the conflict difficult to resolve.

7. 3. Climax This is the turning point of the story (where EVERYTHING changes). Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character WILL CHANGE IN SOME WAY.

8. 4. Falling Action All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

9. 5. Resolution The end of the story!

10. Putting It All Together 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

11. Conflict There are 4 (four) different kinds of conflict a person can face: 1. Character vs. Character 2. Character vs. Nature 3. Character vs. Society 4. Character vs. Themselves

12. Character vs. Character A character in the story has a problem with another character in the story.

13. Character vs. Character Physical fight Verbal fight Good vs. Evil Example: Superheroes fighting off the villain. Now you think of an example…

14. Character vs. Nature When the character faces a problem that is with nature; it is beyond anyone’s control. Can you think of an example?

15. Character vs. Nature BlizzardExamples: The Wizard of Oz Flood The Perfect Storm StormTitanic Landslide Avalanche Animal attack Tornado Hurricane Ocean troubles

16. Character vs. Society When a character has a problem with society as a whole. If society is stopping someone from reaching their goal.

17. Character vs. Society Gay marriage Inter-racial marriage Racism Prejudice Religion Political reasons War Examples: Brokeback Mountain, Hotel Rwanda, the 1960s counterculture, Civil Rights, Avatar

18. Character vs. Themselves If the character is not reaching their goal because of an inner conflict/struggle within themselves.

19. Character vs. Themselves Some moral struggle. When you want to do something but you hold yourself back.

20. External vs. Internal Conflict The four types of conflict can be labeled as either external conflict or internal conflict. External = outside of yourself (outside force) Internal = inside of yourself (inside force)

21. External vs. Internal Conflict Guess if the conflict is external or internal: Character vs. Character  external Character vs. Nature  external Character vs. Society  external Character vs. Themselves  internal

22. Let’s Practice Plot and Conflict with Cinderella! 1. Exposition 2. Rising action (Conflict) 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Conflict

23. Elements of Plot: Part II Student Notes

24. CHARACTERIZATION Creating & developing a character. The author tells what the character looks like, does, says, or how others react to him/her.

25. THEME Central message of the story

26. SETTING Time and place of the story.

27. POINT-OF-VIEW First Person – a character in the story is telling the story. (“I” am #1!) Third Person – told through the eyes of ONE character/narrator. (Uses “he/she”) Omniscient – the “all-knowing” narrator. - Knows EVERYTHING about EVERY character.