The Plot Thickens

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The Plot Thickens!
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What is PLOT?

• A series of related events, like links in a chain
• The plot is the framework that holds a story
  together

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The Plot Diagram

• We plot out the chain link events of the plot on
  a diagram like this

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BASIC SITUATION

• The BASIC SITUATION occurs at the bottom
  (beginning) of the plot chart
• The basic situation introduces us to the storys
  characters and conflict and setting
• Its whats going on when the story opens up
• The basic situation is also known as the
  EXPOSITION

The starting line!
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SETTING

• The SETTING is where the action of the story
  takes place
• SETTING includes location, time of day, and even
  time period
• A story may have more than one setting

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CHARACTER

• CHARACTERS are the actors in the story

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SUSPENSE

• SUSPENSE is the hook that keeps us reading. It
  pulls us through the story.
• SUSPENSE questions we ask ourselves about what
  will happen next

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FORESHADOWING

• FORESHADOWING occurs when a writer drops clues as
  to what will happen at the end of the sotry
• FORESHADOWING increases the suspense!

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CONFLICT
Gasoline makes it go!

• The CONFLICT is the struggle the characters face
  
• CONFLICT is the fuel that makes a story go
• INTERNAL conflict takes place within a
  characters mind or heart
• EXTERNAL conflict takes place between a character
  and an outside force

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COMPLICATION

• A COMPLICATION arises when a character takes
  action to resolve a conflict, but meets with even
  more problems or complications!
• COMPLICATIONS add fuel to the fire
• The TENSION in the story becomes tighter and
  tighter, like a knot

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CLIMAX

• The CLIMAX is the most tense or exciting moment
  of the story
• It is the moment AFTER which all of our questions
  of suspense are answered
• At the climax, we learn what the outcome of the
  climax will be

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RESOLUTION
Finish line!

• The final part of the story is the RESOLUTION
• In the RESOLUTION, all the struggles are over and
  we know what will happen to the characters
• The resolution is also called DENOUEMENT, the
  French word for untying the knot

denouement