Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

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Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

• Student Notes

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Plot Diagram
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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.

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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).

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2. Rising Action

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

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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.

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4. Falling Action

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

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5. Resolution

• The story comes to a reasonable ending.

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Putting It All Together
1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4.
Falling Action 5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story
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REMEMBER Within the Plot there will be Conflict.

• Plot Types of Conflict
• Character vs Character
• Character vs Nature
• Character vs Society
• Character vs Self

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Character vs Character Conflict

• This type of conflict finds the main character in
  conflict with another character, human or not
  human
• The new one is the most beautiful of all he is
  so young and pretty. And the old swans bowed
  their heads before him.
• Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head
  under his wing for he did not know what to do,
  he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had
  been persecuted and despised for his ugliness,
  and now he heard them say he was the most
  beautiful of all the birds.
• The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson

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Character vs Nature

• This type of conflict finds the main character in
  conflict with the forces of nature, which serve
  as the antagonist
• Its a Truffula Seed.
• Its the last one of all!
• Youre in charge of the last of the Truffula
  Seeds.
• And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.
• Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.
• Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.
• Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.
• Then the Lorax
• and all of his friends
• may come back.
• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

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Character vs Society Conflict

• This type of conflict has the main character in
  conflict with a larger group a community,
  society, culture, etc
• Im tired of living in a hole, said Jenny.
• Lets fight for freedom! cried Bouncer. Well
  be soldiers! Rough-riding Rowdies! Ill be the
  general and commander-in-chief!
• The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg

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Character vs Self Conflict

• In this type of conflict, the main character
  experiences some kind of inner conflict.
• Finally, Sams father said, Go to bed now. But
  before you go to sleep, Sam, tell yourself the
  difference between REAL and MOONSHINE.
• Sam, Bangs Moonshine by Evaline Ness