Plot is the action or sequence of events

Plot is the action or sequence of events in a literary work. It is a series of related events that build upon one another. Plots may be simple or complex, loosely constructed or close-knit. Plot includes the following: v whatever the characters do v whatever the characters say v whatever the characters think v whatever happens to the characters v whatever the characters cause to happen to others

n Risi ng A ctio on Acti Com ing Exposition Climax Fall plic a Con tion(s) flict (s) & There are five basic elements to the plot: 1) exposition 2) rising action 3) climax 4) falling action 5) resolution Resolution (Denouement)

Often before the plot begins, a section of exposition is provided, which is the introduction that presents the background information to help readers understand the situation of the story.

This is the series of struggles (conflicts and complications) that builds a story toward its climax. The conflicts and complications within a story are what creates the rising action. (See conflict).

A conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces or characters in a story that triggers action. Conflict can be internal or external. Internal Conflict = Human vs. Self This is the conflict that takes place within an individual (an inner battle of conscience)

External Conflict: This is an individual’s struggle against something outside of themselves. There are external conflict… 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) five basic types of human vs. human (or group of people) human vs. society human vs. nature/animal human vs. supernatural human vs. fate or destiny Conflicts are also known as complications. When you read, keep in mind that there may be a single conflict that is uncomplicated or easy to recognize in the story or there may be several, more subtle conflicts involved.

This is the point of greatest intensity, interest, or suspense in a narrative which will somehow determine the outcome of the story. In drama, the climax is also identified with the terms crisis and/or turning point. It’s the point of the story that “changes everything. ”

This is the part of the story that shows the “working out” of the action that occurred during the story’s climax. (Certain issues/ happenings must be resolved (worked out) to reach a resolution).

The resolution is also called the denouement. This is the portion of the story where the problem is somehow resolved. It follows after the climax and falling action and is intended to bring the story to a satisfactory end/close.

This is the time and place of the action of a story. Setting can be of great importance in establishing not only the physical background, but also in creating the atmosphere/ mood of the story (tension, suspense, peacefulness, etc. ) Setting can include time (minute/hour, year, month, decade, etc. ), weather (season, literal weather, etc. ), places (planets, countries, cities, buildings, homes, stores, etc. ) or any other thing that helps set the background.

Good questions to ask: Where is the story set? How many locations are there? What time(s) is the story set?

The setting also affects the behaviour of the characters. It is important to be able to identify the setting and to figure out how it affects the behaviour of a central character or other characters.

How might this setting affect the behaviour of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

How might this setting affect the behavior of the characters?

This is the personality a character displays as well as the means by which an author reveals that personality. A storyteller generally develops a character through indirect methods of characterization (the author allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions). The storyteller/author does this… 1) 2) 3) 4) by showing a character acting or speaking by giving a physical description of the character by revealing the character’s thoughts by revealing what others think of or say about the character

Less often, a storyteller will develop a character through a direct method of characterization (where the author directly feeds the reader the information that s/he wants reader to know). This is done by… …. making direct comments about the physical attributes, personality or behavior of the character. ------------------------------------------ Characters in a story can be one of two types. They can be… 1) STATIC: they remain the same throughout the entire story or… 2) DYNAMIC: they change in some important way during the course of the story Also… ROUNDED = a developed character (we get to know them) FLAT = an undeveloped character (we never get to know them)

Stories often include a protagonist and an antagonist. PROTAGONIST: This is the chief character in a work on whom our interest centers. This term is preferable over the terms hero or heroine because a protagonist can sometimes include characters who might be, for example, villainous or weak (but characters whom we are still interested in or concerned about regardless of their flaws in character). ANTAGONIST: This is the character or force which opposes the main character; therefore, if the protagonist is pitted against an important opponent, that opponent is called the antagonist.

Character Traits Character traits are the qualities of a certain person, whether they are physical or related to their personality. You determine some traits by observing the way a character looks. You infer other traits by paying attention to the way the character behaves.

Character Traits Physical traits include adjectives that describes a character’s appearance. For example, you might describe a character as old, young, tall, short, fat, thin, handsome, beautiful, ugly, etc. Let’s practice!

Describe this character physically

Describe this character physically

Describe this character physically

Describe this character physically

Character Traits Personality traits include adjectives that describes something about a character’s personality, or general behaviour. Personality traits can be positive, neutral or negative.

Character Traits: Positive traits Examples: Helpful, Intelligent, Wise, Extraordinary, Optimistic, Patient, Clever, Popular, Reliable, Resourceful, Profound, Sexy, Studious, Understanding, Witty, Trustworthy, Responsible, Healthy, Hardworking, Gracious…

Character Traits: Neutral traits Examples: Determined, Aggressive, Ambitious, Emotional, Modern, Smooth, Outspoken, Formal, Intense, Folksy, Sarcastic, Quiet, Unhurried, Tough, Self-conscious, Surprising, Maternal, Inquisitive, Strict, Stubborn, Noncommittal …

Character Traits: Negative traits Examples: Disgusting, Morbid, Evil, Villainous, Boring, Silly, Repressed, Pompous, Obnoxious, Moronic, Inconsiderate, Greedy, Criminal, Destructive, Cowardly, Devious, Barbaric, Childish, Weird, Meddlesome, Unimaginative…

Describe a personality trait in this character

Describe personality traits in these characters

Describe a personality trait in this character

Describe a personality trait in this character

Describe a personality trait in this character

Describe a personality trait in this character

Describe a physical and a personality trait in this character

Sample question you might find on an exam Filmmakers use various techniques to develop character. First, select a character from the movie. Second, identify one of his/her character traits. Third, show the development of this trait by providing an example from two of the following techniques: - Speech - Sound - Costumes/make up - Camera work - Lighting

Sample question you might find on the exam Identify one of the protagonist’s conflicts (external or internal) and describe how it is resolved.

Sample question you might find on an exam In a movie, as in literature, the plot and setting are interrelated. Give an example from the movie of a plot-related event and explain how it is affected by the setting.