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.