Unit 1- Plot, Setting, and
Conflict
SEPTEMBER 16, 2012-SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
PAGE 25-64
OBJECTVIES: CITE SEVERAL PIECES OF
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT ANALYSIS OF
WHAT THE TEXT SAYS EXPLICITLY. ANALYZE
HOW DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF A STORY
INTEREACT.
Monday’s Bellwork
 On your own, think of an unforgettable story that
you have read or heard.
 Open book to page 26 and work with your elbow
partner (right or left). NOT in front or behind.

With your partner discuss the following questions then answer
them in your writer’s notebook in bellwork section.
What makes a story unforgettable?
 What do your reasons have in common?
 After your discussion, how would you answer the original
question.

Vocabulary
Words
Contemporary
Element
Identify
Influence
Structure
Prediction
Definition
What drives a story?
 Plot
 Conflict
 Setting
 Characters
 Level Up: Plot stages
 http://my.hrw.com/la_2010/na_lit/student/levelup/lit210/s
hell.html
Plot, Conflict, Setting, and Characters
 Setting- a time and
place of the action.
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Time: Historical era, the
season, or the time of the
day
Place: might be a country,
a neighborhood, or a
room.
Setting influences the plot
and affects the characters’
feelings
Plot, Conflict, Setting, and Characters
 Characters- the people,
animals, or imaginary
creatures that take part
in a story.
 The characters’ behavior
affects what happens.
Plot, Conflict, Setting, and Characters
 Plot- the series of events
in a story.
 Plot usually centers on a
conflict, a struggle
between different forces.

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Draw the chart on page 28 about
external and internal conflict.
Conflict fuels the action,
moving the plot forward.
A conflict can be external
or internal.
Plot, Conflict, Setting, and Characters
 Finding Nemo
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpV7NIJTxD0&f
eature=related
Who is the main character?
What problems or conflicts does the character face?
List as many as you can.
Which conflict is most important?
Is the main conflict inside the character’s mind
(internal), or is it between the character and an
outside force (external)?
Plot Development
 Listing the major events in a story and details related
to the plot development can be a helpful technique in
understanding the story.
 These devices add complexity to a story’s plot.
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Story may begin in the middle of the action
Sequence of events may be interrupted to tell about an event in
the past or future
1 or more subplots that make the main plot more interesting
Climax occurs at or near the end of the story, leaving the
reader with unanswered questions about the characters and
conflict.
Plot Development
 Usually, a story begins by introducing the main
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character who has a conflict. Then the story develops
around the conflict. Important events move the story
forward.
Foreshadowing- hinting at, future actions
As the story moves on, the character must find a
solution to the conflict.
Once the problem is solved, the story ends.
This process is known as plot development.
Plot Development
 A typical plot has 5 stages of action.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffAOkGg2Lr4
 By understanding these stages, you will know what
to look for in a story.
 At the beginning—or exposition– of a story, pay
attention to the details that tell you about the
characters, the setting, and any potential conflicts.
Plot Development
 Exposition- Introduces the setting and the
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characters. Sets up or hints at the conflict.
Rising Action- shows how the conflict unfolds and
becomes more complicated and builds suspense
Climax- Is the most exciting moment and the
turning point. Often results in a change for the main
character.
Falling Action- Eases suspense and reveals how
the main character begins to resolve the conflict.
Resolution-Ties up loose ends and sometimes
offers and unexpected twist before the story ends.
Plot Development
 On your own read Last Cover and be ready to discuss
your answers to these questions:
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What can you tell about the setting in which the main character
lives?
Review the boxed details. Describe the conflict that the main
character faces. What does this conflict suggest the story will be
about?
 On your own read The Third Wish and be ready to
discuss your answers to these questions:
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Reread the boxed text. What conflict is Mr. Peters facing?
During the rising action, the plot moves toward the climax. What
future decision or action might this situation hint at, or foreshadow?
Closure
Identify the common parts of a story and tell how
these elements help make a story unforgettable.
These are your tickets out of the door and go in the
turtle box.
Write on a half sheet of paper
Revisit the big question. What makes a story
unforgettable?
Weekly Assignments due Friday:
 Page 32-33 answer the questions on the side of the
page using the story The Dinner Party.
 Note taking: Plot Development
 Academic Vocabulary chart
SSLAM
 Work and finish the article on 9/11
 Read Exploring the Titanic on pages 104-118 on
your own by next week.