TENTH GRADE

Plot

Modulo 1 - Lesson 6

The plot is how the author arranges events to develop his basic idea;  it is the sequence of events in a story or play.  The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a beginning, middle, and end.  The short story usually has one plot so it can be read in one sitting.  There are five essential parts of plot:
 

a)  Introduction - The beginning of the story where the characters and the setting is revealed.

b)  Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed (events between the introduction and climax).

c)  Climax - This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.  The reader wonders what will happen next; will the conflict be resolved or not?

d)  Falling action - The events and complications begin to resolve them.  The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not (events between climax and denouement).

e)  Denouement - This is the final outcome or untangling of events in the story.

Plot

Practicing exercise

PART 1: Read this description of the new book, Stowaway, by Karen Hesse.

STOWAWAY

In the summer of 1768, an eleven-year-old butcher's apprentice named Nicholas Young climbed aboard a ship, hid himself from captain and crew, and waited to be carried far away from the life he hated in London. 

Nick didn't know it, but the ship he chose -- H.M.S. Endeavour -- was bound for an astonishing adventure. Captained by James Cook, Endeavour was on a secret mission to discover an unknown continent at the bottom of the globe. During his three-year voyage, Nick encountered hardship and was awed by new discoveries; he weathered danger and proved himself brave when disaster struck; he earned the respect and trust of the gentlemen on board; he made a friend for life. And he made history. 

An eleven-year-old boy named Nicholas Young really did stow away on Cook's Endeavour. Based on exhaustive historical research and illustrated with evocative drawings by Robert Andrew Parker, Stowaway is Newbery winner Karen Hesse's extraordinary fictional account of the real Nicholas's journey.

I. Identify the parts of the story:

1.     Nicholas Young:

2.       

a.      character

b.     setting

c.      plot

    2.   In the summer:

a.      character

b.     setting

c.      plot

   3.   Nicholas hid from everyone:

a.      character

b.     setting

c.      plot

   4. The captain and crew:

a.      character

b.     setting

c.      plot

   5. 1768:

a.      character

b.     setting

c.      plot

Plot

Practicing exercise-Answer key

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. B

Plot

Quiz

I. Read, then answer true or false:

The plot tells what happens in a story. The plot is a series of closely related events that happen to the main character. The main character is called the Protagonist. A situation develops where the protagonist finds himself in a series of CONFLICTS. These conflicts are with his Antagonist who could be another person, nature, or various sources. There are five parts of plot:

1. Introduction - Introduces the main characters and gives the purpose or problem of the story.

2. Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed.

3. Climax - This is the highest point of interest--suspense mounts--turning point—outcome of the story is determined.

4. Falling action - The events and complications begin to resolve them. The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not. It is a very brief occurrence.

5. Conclusion - A brief clarification of major conflicts and minor complications.

Points to consider...

• What are the main things that have happened in the story?

• Were you able to guess what was going to happen next? What clues did you use?

• What would you have done differently if you had been one of the characters?

• Can you think of another way that the story might have happened?

• Can you think of another way that your story might have ended?

• What might have happened if a certain action had not taken place?

• Which chapter do you think is most important to the story? Why?

• Who has a problem? Is there on problem or more than one?

• What is the problem in the story?

• How is the problem solved? How do you know?

Write true or false:

1. The plot tells what happens in the story.
2. The plot is a series of indirectly related events that happen to the main character.
3. The main character is called antagonist.
4. There are four parts in a plot.
5. The climax introduces the main characters and gives the purpose or problem of the story.
6. Conclusion is a brief clarification of major conflicts and minor complications.
7. Characterization and setting are parts of the plot.
8. Rising Action is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed.

Plot

Quiz-Answer key

1. True
2. False
3. False
4. False
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True

Plot

Test

Let’s write a story about maturation

The plot about maturation is about an immature character that goes through difficult lessons, but in the end the character becomes an improved human being. To create your story, follow these guides:

• Choose your character and his problem (a young person with confused goals)

• Write at least three bad decisions the character has chosen.

1.

2.

3.

• Who does he affect with these decisions? How?

• Turning Point:

1.      Create an event (a test) that affects the character in a monumental way.

• Write three bad choices that can worsen the situation.

1.

2.

3.

• Give what you believe can solve the problem.

• What did the character learn?

Plot

Test-Answer key

Answers will vary.

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