Identifying the

Elements of Plot
 What is Plot?
• Plot is the sequence
of events in a literary
work.

• All fiction works

follow the same plot
sequence.
 PLOT SEQUENCE
• EXPOSITION

• RISING ACTION

• CLIMAX

• FALLING ACTION

• RESOLUTION
 PLOT DIAGRAM
3

4
2

1 5
In order to analyze literature, you should become familiar with the plot
sequence and what ingredients go into each step.
 1. EXPOSITION
The introduction of characters, setting, and
the basic situation.
 2. RISING ACTION
The conflict begins to get more complicated
and interesting by adding complications that
lead to the climax.
 3. CLIMAX
This is the highest point of action or interest.
A moment of great emotional intensity or
suspense in a plot.
4. FALLING ACTION
This is the action that is a result of
the climax.
 5. RESOLUTION
• Ends the falling action by telling or implying the
final outcome of the plot.
 Plot Sequence
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
 OVERVIEW
Fiction stories always follow the
predictable pattern of a plot.
Exposition: characters, setting, conflict
Rising Action: conflict continues to worsen
Climax: character attacks conflict because of event/decision

Falling Action: result of the climax

Resolution: problem is resolved and story ends