Elements of Plot
What is plot?
• Plot is the chain of events that make up a
story. Most plots will trace some process
of change in which characters are caught
up in a conflict that is eventually resolved.
Plot Diagram
Climax/Turning
Point
Conflict/
Problem
Rising Action
Exposition
1
2
3
4
Falling Action
5
Resolution
6
1. 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. This section
also presents other facts necessary to
understanding the story (the main idea/focus).
Important Parts of the Exposition
• Setting
– Time
– Place
• Characters
– Protagonist: The main
character; the hero;
fixes problems.
– Antagonist: The
character who is in
conflict with the
protagonist in some
way
2. Rising Action
• The rising action includes all the
events that lead to the climax. It
also presents some type of conflict
3. Turning Point
The point in the story in
which the action changes
directions.
4. Climax
• The “highest point of action”. This is the
turning point of the story. Typically the
main character comes face to face with a
conflict and changes in someway. This is
usually when the story is the most
dramatic.
4. Falling Action
• All loose ends
of the plot are
tied up. The
conflict(s) and
climax are
taken care of.
The main
character
reaches his/her
5. Resolution
• Denouement
[dey-noo-mahn]
• The story
comes to a
reasonable
ending.
Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
Beginning of
Story
3. Turning Point
Middle of Story
4. Climax
5. Falling Action
6. Resolution
End of Story