1. Bellringer- 11/18/14 Take a pink pyramid sheet from the stool Read your book while you wait Complete the pink pyramid after watching the short clip

2. Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows the a causal arrangement of events and actions within a story. Teaching Plot Structure Through Short Stories

3. Types of Linear Plots Plots can be told in Chronological order Flashback In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition

4. Pyramid Plot Structure The most basic and traditional form of plot is pyramid- shaped. This structure has been described in more detail by Aristotle and by Gustav Freytag.

5. Aristotle ’ s Unified Plot The basic triangle-shaped plot structure was described by Aristotle in 350 BCE. Aristotle used the beginning, middle, and end structure to describe a story that moved along a linear path, following a chain of cause and effect as it works toward the solution of a conflict or crisis.

6. Freytag ’ s Plot Structure Freytag modified Aristotle’s system by adding a rising action (or complication) and a falling action to the structure. Freytag used the five-part design shown above to describe a story’s plot.

7. Modified Plot Structure Freytag’s Pyramid is often modified so that it extends slightly before and after the primary rising and falling action. You might think of this part of the chart as similar to the warm-up and cool-down for the story.

8. Plot Components Exposition: the start of the story, the situation before the action starts Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads

9. Practice Complete the Freytag plot pyramid using the following clip: Mike’s New CarMike’s New Car The setting of the story is… The story is resolved when… The rising action, or what leads to the climax is…. After the climax, the falling action, or what helps end the conflict is…. The climax, or the end of the conflict is…

10. Bellringer- 11/21/14 Today: continue to practice identifying plot! Take a pink pyramid sheet from the stool Answer the question at the top of the sheet Complete the pink pyramid after watching the short clip

11. Plot Warm-Up Videos Tuesday, November 18: PrestoPresto Wednesday, November 19: One Man BandOne Man Band Thursday, November 20: Partly CloudyPartly Cloudy Friday, November 21: Tin Toy (7)Tin Toy Friday, November 21: Mike’s New Car (4)Mike’s New Car