Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram Student Notes

Plot Diagram Climax

4 Rising action

Exposition Narrative “hook”

1

2

3

Falling action

5 Resolution

6

Plot

(definition)

• Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Narrative Hook This "hooks" the reader's attention right at the OPENING of the story so that he or she will keep on reading. The "opening" may consist of several paragraphs for a short story, or several pages for a novel, but ideally it is the opening sentence. One of the most common forms is dramatic action, which engages the reader into wondering what the consequences of the action will be. Ex: narrative voice stating that we (humans) traveled to Pandora after our home (earth) was “used up.”

2. Exposition • This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem). Ex: Jake Sully deboarding space craft, walking around army base, and hearing of the dangerous jungle creatures and natives of Pandora.

3. Rising Action • This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs. Ex: viewer learns that there is a group of natives on Pandora that are in the way of the humans getting the precious natural resource they want, Jake becomes native himself, etc…

4. Climax • This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way. Ex: Jake becomes leader of natives and leads battle of large scale to protect native’s magic tree.

5. Falling Action • All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

Ex: Jake and natives win battle, “deport” all but “good” humans OFF of Pandora, back to Earth.

6. Resolution • The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Ex: Jake’s spirit is transferred to the native body, and he is allowed to live in peace and love with his new people.

Putting It All Together 1 / 2. Narrative hook & Exposition

3. Rising Action

4. Climax

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

5. Falling Action 6. Resolution

End of Story