Short Story: Plot

1
Short Story Plot

• the sequence of events

2
Basic Situation

• The introduction of characters and the
  possibility of action.

3
Complication

• The problem which arises.
• (Do not confuse with conflict!)

4
Conflict

• The struggle between two opposing forces or
  characters.
• external when a character struggles with a
  character, group of characters, or a force in
  nature
• Man v. Nature, Man v. Society, Man v. Man
• internal when the struggle occurs within
  the characters mind Man v. Himself

5
Rising Action

• Events leading up to the
• climax.

6
Climax

• The most intense moment in a story- the moment
  when a major character changes.

7
Falling Action

• The events leading to the resolution.

8
Resolution/Denouement

• The moment in the story when the major conflict
  is resolved and loose ends seem to be tied up.

9
Application of Terms

• The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin
• This science fiction story written in 1954 is
  considered by many to be one of the greatest
  science-fiction stories ever written.
• Lets see what you think!

10
The Plot Mapping the Action
Draw this diagram on your paper
and document the major events in the story!