Plot is a series of related events that the author uses to develop the theme of a story.      To identify the plot, ask yourself these questions:

1.      What happens in the beginning of the story?

2.      What happens in the middle of the story?

3.      What happens at the end of the story?

Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story.  A plot diagram is an organizational tool, which is used to map the significant events in a story. By placing the most significant events from a story on the plot diagram, you can visualize the key features of the story.

Plots can be told in:

• Chronological order

• Flashback

• In media res (in the middle of things) when the story starts in the middle of the action without exposition

Plots components:

1. Exposition=Beginning of the plot where the reader discovers the story’s SETTING and CHARACTERS.
2. Conflict=The point the PLOT where the character or characters face a PROBLEM
3. Rising action=The central part of a story during which various problems arise, leading up to the climax.
4. Climax=The high point of the story, where a culmination of events create the peak of the conflict.
5. Falling action=This part of the story shows the result of the climax, and its effects on the characters, setting and proceeding events
6. Resolution=This part of the story consists of a series of events that follow the climax, and serves as the conclusion of the story

Plot

Practicing exercise

I.                 True or false:

1.      The plot describes the structure of the story.

2.      The exposition is the high point of the story, where a culmination of events creates the peak of the conflict.

3.      Resolution is the part of the story that shows the result of the climax, and its effects on the characters, setting and proceeding events

4.      Plot can be told in chronological order.

5.      Media res means in the beginning.

Plot

Practicing exercise-Answer key

1.      True

2.      False

3.      False

4.      True

5.      False

Plot

Quiz

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. An ____________conflict exists within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing forces 

2. An __________ conflict exists when a character struggles against some outside force. 

3. The part of the plot that adds complications to the plot's problems is called _________________.

4. The __________________ is the author's introduction to the characters, setting, and situation 

5. The sequence of events in a story is called the ____________.

6. The point of greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in a story is known as ____________.

7. The action that follows the climax is called the ____________.

8. __________ is the struggle between two opposing forces. 

9. The part of the plot that concludes the falling action by revealing or suggesting the outcome of the conflict is called the _____________.

Plot

Quiz-Answer key

1. internal
2. external
3. rising action
4. exposition
5. plot
6. climax
7. falling action 
8. conflict
9. resolution or denouement

Plot

Test

I. Create a story where the character is on a mission, looking for something that will change his life.

Part #1

Create a character using somebody you know, who has a common job and a common life.

Name:

Age:

Job:

Write a situation where the hero  is obligated to change his situation, and has to look for something, that will help him change his situation. What is that something?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

In a quest you never go alone. Mention other common people the hero will find in his quest. How do they help him/her?

Name Profession their assistance

1.___________ __________ _______________________________________________

2.___________ __________ _______________________________________________

3.___________ __________ _______________________________________________

4.___________ __________ _______________________________________________

5.___________ __________ _______________________________________________

Possible places the quest will take our character to?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Possible problems or tests the characters will have to overcome?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

How does the character reach the goal? What does he learn?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Plot

Test-Answer key

Answers will vary.