Plot Feature Menu What Is Plot? Elements of Plot Basic Situation Complications Climax Resolution Timing of Events Practice
What Is Plot? Plot is what happens in a story the sequence of related events that makes a story hang together. [End of Section]
Elements of Plot A typical plot has four parts. Complications new problems arise Climax most exciting/suspenseful moment Basic Situation/Exposition conflict is introduced Resolution problems are resolved [End of Section]
Basic Situation The first part of a story is the basic situation, or exposition. The writer introduces a character who wants something very much encounters a conflict while trying to get it
Basic Situation The main conflict in a story may be internal or external. External conflict: a struggle between a character and an outside force Internal conflict: a struggle within the character s own heart or mind External: climbing wall Internal: fear
Basic Situation Quick Check Bertha walked up and down and enjoyed herself immensely, and thought to herself: If I were not so extraordinarily good I should not have been allowed to come into this beautiful park and enjoy all that there is to be seen in it, and her three medals clinked against one another as she walked and helped to remind her how very good she really was. Just then an enormous wolf came prowling into the park to see if it could catch a fat little pig for its supper. from The Storyteller by Saki What is the basic situation? What conflict does Bertha face? [End of Section]
Basic Situation Quick Check Bertha walked up and down and enjoyed herself immensely, and thought to herself: If I were not so extraordinarily good I should not have been allowed to come into this beautiful park and enjoy all that there is to be seen in it, and her three medals clinked against one another as she walked and helped to remind her how very good she really was. Just then an enormous wolf came prowling into the park to see if it could catch a fat little pig for its supper. from The Storyteller by Saki What is the basic situation? Bertha is enjoying a walk in a beautiful park as a reward for her goodness.
Basic Situation Quick Check Bertha walked up and down and enjoyed herself immensely, and thought to herself: If I were not so extraordinarily good I should not have been allowed to come into this beautiful park and enjoy all that there is to be seen in it, and her three medals clinked against one another as she walked and helped to remind her how very good she really was. Just then an enormous wolf came prowling into the park to see if it could catch a fat little pig for its supper. from The Storyteller by Saki What conflict does Bertha face? She is threatened by a hungry wolf.
Complications Next, a series of complications arises events that make the character s situation more difficult and heighten the suspense. Complication:... and as she trembled the medal for obedience clinked against the medals for good conduct and punctuality. The wolf was just moving away when he heard the sound of the medals clinking and stopped to listen.... from The Storyteller by Saki [End of Section]
Climax The plot reaches a climax. The climax is the most exciting or suspenseful moment decides the outcome of the conflict He dashed into the bush, his pale grey eyes gleaming with ferocity and triumph.... from The Storyteller by Saki [End of Section]
Resolution The last part of the plot is the resolution, or denouement. The problems are resolved in some way. The story ends sometimes happily, sometimes not. All that was left of her were her shoes, bits of clothing, and the three medals for goodness. from The Storyteller by Saki [End of Section]
Timing of Events Another important element of plot is the order in which a writer tells the events. Order of Events Chronological order: The writer tells the events in the order in which they happened. Flashbacks: The writer interrupts the present action with a scene or scenes from the past. Flash-forwards: The writer gives a glimpse into the character s future. Foreshadowing: The writer hints at something that will happen later in the plot.
Timing of Events Quick Check Identify which graphic represents chronological order, flashback, and flash-forward. First Next Last Years ago... First Next Last First Next Last In years to come...
Timing of Events Quick Check Identify which graphic represents chronological order, flashback, and flash-forward. Years ago... First Next Last Flashback First Next Last Chronological order First Next Last In years to come... Flash-forward
Timing of Events A writer may slow the pace of events to create suspense or dramatize a moment. Fast Then, they saw a circle of gleaming eyes around their camp. Slow There was no suggestion of form in the utter blackness; only could be seen a pair of eyes gleaming like live coals. Henry indicated with his head a second pair, and a third. A circle of the gleaming eyes had drawn about their camp. from White Fang by Jack London [End of Section]
Practice You can chart the plot of a story by using a diagram like the one below. Fill in a plot diagram for a fairy tale or a TV drama you know well. Television and movies make frequent use of flashbacks and foreshadowing. Insert those time tricks on your plot diagram as well. Complications Event Event Basic Situation Event Climax Resolution [End of Section]
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