Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Student Notes

Plot Diagram
3

2 1

4 5

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.

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

2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

Conflict
Conflict is the struggle or clash between opposing characters or forces. Conflicts may be
external: firefighter vs. fire

or
internal: firefighter vs. his or her fear

Conflict
An external conflict may be a struggle between two characters a character and a group a character and something nonhuman

Conflict
An internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within a characters mind or heart. Characters struggle with themselves to make decisions.

Conflict
Quick Check
Rainsford knew he could do one of two things. He could stay where he was and wait. That was suicide. He could flee. That was postponing the inevitable. For a moment he stood there, thinking. An idea that held a wild chance came to him, and, tightening his belt, he headed away from the swamp.
from The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

Is this an external or internal conflict?

[End of Section]

Conflict
Quick Check
Rainsford knew he could do one of two things. He could stay where he was and wait. That was suicide. He could flee. That was postponing the inevitable. For a moment he stood there, thinking. An idea that held a wild chance came to him, and, tightening his belt, he headed away from the swamp.
from The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

Is this an external or internal conflict? Internal conflict

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

5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together

1. Exposition 2. Rising Action
Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

3. Climax

4. Falling Action 5. Resolution

End of Story

PLOT DIAGRAM REVIEW

WHAT PART TELLS YOU
1. How is the problem/conflict in the story solved? 2. The turning point in the story. The tension is at its highest point in the story. 3. Where and when the story takes place 4. All of the information the reader need to know before the story begins. Who are the characters? What is the problem? What is the setting? 5. All of the events after the climax. The tension of the story comes down. 6. The problem in the story. 7. All of the events in the story leading up to the climax. The tension in the story is building. 8. People or animals that are in the story.

ANSWERS 1.RESOLUTION 2.THE CLIMAX 3.SETTING 4.EXPOSITION 5.FALLING ACTION 6.CONFLICT 7.RISING ACTION 8.CHARACTERS