1. Plot Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.

2. Exposition: the beginning of a short story where we learn about the characters, setting and main conflict. Rising Action: conflict is developed and suspense builds. Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Falling Action: all of the loose ends are tied up Resolution: the conflict is resolved. Plot Components

3. Plot: Conflict Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.

4. Plot: Types of Conflict Character vs Nature Character vs Society Character vs SelfCharacter vs Character

5. Plot: Character vs. Character Conflict This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with another character, human or not human. “The new one is the most beautiful of all; he is so young and pretty.” And the old swans bowed their heads before him. Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wing; for he did not know what to do, he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had been persecuted and despised for his ugliness, and now he heard them say he was the most beautiful of all the birds. The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson

6. Plot: Character vs. Nature Conflict This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with the forces of nature, which serve as the antagonist. The storm raged on as Cole lay trembling, his eyes frantic. The explosion had shocked his mind awake. Never in his life had he felt so exposed, so vulnerable, so helpless. He had no control. To this storm, he was as insignificant as a leaf. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

7. Plot: Character vs. Society Conflict This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a community, society, culture, etc. “He sat on that cot,” Mr. Rickey said, “and was silent for a long time. Then he began to cry, tears he couldn’t hold back. His whole body shook with emotion...he began tearing at one hand with the other just as if he were trying to scratch the skin off his hands with his fingernails… ‘”It’s my hands,’ he sobbed. ‘They’re black. If only they were white, I’d be as good as anybody then, wouldn’t I, Mr. Rickey? If only they were white.’” “Charley,” Mr. Rickey said, “the day will come when they won’t have to be white.” The Noble Experiment by Jackie Robinson as told to Alfred Duckett

8. Plot: Character vs. Self Conflict In this type of conflict, the main character experiences some kind of inner conflict. Victor was too weak from failure to join the class. He stared at the board and wished he had taken Spanish, not French. Better yet, he wished he could start his life over. He had never been so embarrassed. He bit his thumb until he tore off a sliver of skin. Seventh Grade by Gary Soto