Elements of Plot Exposition A sequence of events

Elements of Plot • Exposition • A sequence of events in a story. • Introductory information: characters, background, setting, time frame

• Rising action/ complication(s) • Events that lead to the main turning point within the story. Complications are the obstacles that “get in the way” of a character accomplishing his/her goal(s)

• Climax/Climactic event • Falling action • The major turning point within a story. The point at which the story “changes direction”, mysteries are revealed, a goal is met, “the showdown” • The events that happen as direct result of the climax/climactic event

• Resolution (Denouement) • The end. Goal(s) is/are fulfilled. Questions are answered. Sense of “completeness” ***Can be open-ended.

Climax Rising action Exposition Falling action Resolution/Denouement

Charting the Story Think of a story that you are familiar with; a fairy tale, favorite children’s book, etc. You will break down his story to its most basic plot, and construct a plot diagram. For example: The Wolf eats Grandma and RRH The Wolf goes to Grandma’s House RRH encounters a The Wolf Woodsman comes and saves RRH and Grandma by cutting open The Wolf Red Riding Hood is off to Grandma’s Red Riding Hood Grandma The Wolf The Woods/Grandma’s House The Woodsman Grandma, RRH, and The Woodsman live happily ever after