1. THE ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE PLOT STRUCTURE

2. Plot Structure Setting Complications Climax Resolution E F D C Character Conflict B A

3. Exposition  The basic situation/background  The exposition is usually explained in the first paragraphs of a story  The basic situation/background  The exposition is usually explained in the first paragraphs of a story

4. A=Setting  Setting is the time and place of a story

5. B=Characters  Protagonist--the hero or main character of the story; he or she must overcome obstacles to reach a goal.

6. Antagonist  Villain of the story; He or she tries to prevent the protagonist from reaching a goal.

7. C=Conflict  Struggle between opposing forces  Types of conflicts:  Man vs. man * man vs. society  Man vs. nature  Man vs. self  Man vs. supernatural  Man vs machine  Man vs unknown  Struggle between opposing forces  Types of conflicts:  Man vs. man * man vs. society  Man vs. nature  Man vs. self  Man vs. supernatural  Man vs machine  Man vs unknown

8. External Conflict  External conflict-- A problem that can be observed (ex: a fight between 2 brothers)

9. Internal conflict  A problem that exists in a character’s mind (ex: guilt, shame, jealousy, etc.)

10. D=Complications  Suspense; events leading up to climax.  Also called: Rising Action  Suspense; events leading up to climax.  Also called: Rising Action

11. E=Climax  The high point or turning point in a story

12. F=Resolution  The ending; the conflict is resolved.

13. Plot  The sequence of events in a story

14. Mood  Feeling or atmosphere the author creates

15. Foreshadowing  Hints or clues that the author gives his readers about future events in the story.

16. Theme  The author’s message to his readers

17. 1st person narrative  Character IN the story is telling the story.  Uses pronouns--I, me, we, our  Character IN the story is telling the story.  Uses pronouns--I, me, we, our

18. 3rd person narrative  Narrator is OUTSIDE the story talking about the characters.  Uses pronouns--he, she, they, their  Narrator is OUTSIDE the story talking about the characters.  Uses pronouns--he, she, they, their