Plot Lines and Example

Plot Lines

Draw the following in your composition book.

Plot • The sequence of events or actions in a short story, novel, play, or narrative poem.

Plot Line

Ex Exposition

Exposition Definition – The author lays the groundwork for the story by revealing the setting, relationships between the actors, and the situation as it exists before a conflict begins.

Questions to ask yourself: • What information does the writer give you at the beginning of the story?

Plot Line

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Inciting Incident Definition – interrupts the peace and balance of the situation and one or more of the characters comes into conflict with an outside force, himself, or another character.

Questions to ask yourself: • What is the first important thing that pulls you into the story?

Plot Line

Rising Action

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Rising Action Definition – the action and events that take place in the story and build up to the critical moment when the main conflict is confronted. Questions to ask yourself: • What types of conflicts are present in the story?

Plot Line Climax

Rising Action

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Climax Definition – the most critical moment in the story; the point at which the main conflict is at its highest point. Something to think about: • This is usually the most suspenseful or exciting part of a story.

Plot Line Climax

Rising Action

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Falling Action

Falling Action Definition – Events that occur after the climax and lead up to the closure and conclusion of the story. Questions to think about: • In what way is the action in this part of the story different from the first part?

Plot Line Climax

Rising Action

Falling Action Resolution

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Resolution Also called a “denoument” Definition – the problem set up in the inciting incident is unraveled; there is a revelation of meaning.

Something to think about: • This is usually the very end of a story. • Some stories will not have a denouement because of a shocking or surprise ending.

Let’s try one together!

Little Red Riding Hood Plot Chart

Exposition • What do we need to know about the story as we begin to read it?

Inciting Incident • What interrupts the peace of the story?

Rising Action • What events happen that lead you to believe a conflict is about to happen?

Climax • What is the most critical moment in the story?

Falling Action • What happens after the climax?

Resolution • What is the conclusion or resolution of the story?

Your turn! • Read “Seventh Grade” by Gary Soto. • With your partner, create a plot chart for the story. Be prepared to share with the class.