Plot
The sequence of events
What a plot is not
If an author writes, "The king died and then
the queen died," there is no plot for a story.
 But by writing, "The king died and then the
queen died of grief," the writer has provided
a plot line for a story.

Plot is …
A plot is a causal sequence of events, the
"why" for the things that happen in the story
 The plot
 draws the reader into the characters’ lives
 helps the reader understand the choices
that the characters make

Plot and structure


A plot's structure is the way in which the story
elements are arranged.
Writers vary structure depending on the needs of
the story. For example, in a mystery, the author
will withhold plot exposition until later in the
story. In William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" it
is only at the end of the story that we learn what
Miss Emily has been up to all those years while
locked away in her Southern mansion.
Elements of plot

Part 1 – Exposition
 Exposition sets the stage of the story
 Setting – Time and place
 Characters/personalities introduced
 Mood is established
Elements of plot

Part 2 – Rising action
 It becomes clear who the protagonist (main
character) is, and who/what the antagonist
(opposing person/force) is
 Conflicts are introduced to the protagonist
 External conflict = person vs. outside force
 Internal conflict = person vs. own conscience
 Mood is still created w/ settings/characters
Elements of plot

Part 3 – Climax
 Moment of greatest tension - when the
intensity and reader’s interest reach their
highest point
 Often the point when the largest conflict
is solved
Elements of plot

Part 4 – Falling action
 The direct outcome of the conflict
 The events that result from the climactic
point
Elements of plot

Part 5 – Resolution
 Final outcome
 Theme is revealed
Theme: The main message or point an
author seems to make with the story.
Examples of plot – Poe’s “The
Masque of the Red Death”
Exposition = Plague-ravaged countryside,
Prospero locks everyone in the castle,
decides to throw a party
We learn about the setting and the main
character’s personality here
“Masque” cont’d.
Rising Action – A mood of joviality mixed with
hourly serious reflection (from the clock chiming);
mysterious figure appears, people begin to
respond; conflict: What to do with this guy? Who
is he?
Everyone wonders who the figure is, including
Prospero, who is shocked at the figure’s boldness
to wear such a costume
“Masque” cont’d.

Climax – Prospero erupts in anger and
pursues the figure through the rooms
This is the climax b/c he is king – everyone
waits to see what he does, and he has made
his choice, which is to attack and murder
the figure
“Masque” cont’d.
Falling Action – Prospero falls dead; the
people go to grasp the figure; the figure
disappears, leaving only garments
 Resolution – All die
 Theme – No one can escape death; death
will always find you
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