Building Plot into Narrative Essays Basic Plot Structure
Building Plot into Narrative Essays
Basic Plot Structure Climax *Highest point of action *Turning Point *Determines the Outcome Rising Action *Answers questions *Resolves subplots the resolution action *Sets*Builds up for the *Creates tension *Comedy? Tragedy? Falling Action *Establishes Setting *Introduces Characters *Directly answers the main conflict *Defines the Main Conflict and reader *Provides closure for characters Exposition Resolution
Applecline’s Plot Structure • Set-up: Establishes setting, introduces the main characters, and presents some sort of problem or tension • Build-up: Intensifies conflict; challenges characters • Pay-off: Resolves conflict and provides consequences
Hybrid Applecline Plot graph Climax Build-up Falling Action Rising Action Pay-off Resolution Set-up Exposition
It has a plot, but the story still sucks. Why? • Motion: Keep the story moving, both between elements, and toward some end • Significant Consequences: Why is Transformers so good? Because if the main characters fail we all die. • Coherence: Avoid digressions. Every single element should connect to the story as a whole. If the story is about a drag race, why are you talking about the glass stain on your table?
Relevance • Narrative essays speak to a particular theme, question, or event in our lives. While it is important to tell a good story, make sure that the significant elements of the story (conflict, resolution, consequences) relate back to that driving question.
- Slides: 6