Identifying the
Elements of A
Plot Diagram
Plot Diagram
3
2
1
4
5
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. 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).
2. Rising Action
• This part of the story begins to
develop the conflict(s). A building
of interest or suspense occurs.
3. Climax
• This is the turning point of the story.
Usually the main character comes face
to face with the main conflict. The main
character will change in some way.
4. Falling Action
• The series of
mini conflicts or
events that
occur after the
climax.
5. Resolution
• All conflicts
are resolved.
The “happily
ever after”
ending
Putting It All Together
1. Exposition - Beginning of the story.
2. Rising Action - Series of events and
conflicts that lead up to the climax.
3. Climax - The turning point of the story
where the main conflict is being faced “head
on”! Usually towards the end of the
novel/story
4. Falling Action - Events or conflicts that
occur after the climax.
5. Resolution - All conflicts are resolved!
Story comes to an end!
Characters:
Protagonist: The central character, usually the “good
guy” or “hero”
Antagonist: A character or characters that stand against
the protagonist; opponent; rival
Characters
Round Character Definition: A character in fiction whose
personality,background, motives, and other
features are fully delineated by the author.
You may be wondering… “What does
delineated mean?”
Delineated: Fully described with words
Round characters are often DYNAMIC!
Dynamic: a literary or dramatic character who
undergoes an important inner change, as a
change in personality or attitude:
Characters
Flat Characters: a character in fiction who is
not fully delineated.
Flat characters are often STATIC
Static - a literary or dramatic character who
undergoeslittle or no inner change; a
character who does not grow or develop.
Which of the following characters are:
Round? Flat? Static? Dynamic?
Static? Flat? Round?
Dynamic?
Brian Robeson
Terry (Brian’s friend)
Brian’s mom
Brian’s dad
Conflict
Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, a problem
with the antagonist
Conflicts within literature can be either INTERNAL or
EXTERNAL
Man vs Man
(Person vs Person)
External conflict
The most straightforward type of conflict, pitting the
protagonist directly against the antagonist.
Man vs. Nature
(Person vs. Nature)
External Conflict
This type of conflict pits a story's main character or characters against a
natural force such as a flood, predatory animal, or disease epidemic.
Man vs Society
(Person vs Society)
External conflict
In many stories, the protagonist battles an unjust element
of government or culture, or battles society as a whole.
Man vs. Self
(Person vs. Self)
Some literary conflicts take the form of a
character struggling to overcome fear,
addiction, emotional damage or other
crippling personal issue or the character is
struggling to make a decision.