Plot Diagram Elements for ESL Students

Front

*Front:* Exposition

Back

at beginning of story --

characters, setting, and basic situation are established

Front

*Front:* Protagonist

Back

main character in the story

Front

*Front:* Setting - Time

Back

WHEN the story takes place

Front

*Front:* Setting - Place

Back

WHERE the story takes place

Front

*Front:* Rising Action

Back

events in the story leading up to the climax

Front

*Front:* Conflict

Back

problem or struggle in the story

Front

*Front:* Climax

Back

point of most tension in the story;

after climax, everything in story changes

Front

*Front:* Falling Action

Back

events after the climax

Front

*Front:* Resolution

Back

events at end of story that demonstrate that the conflict is resolved

Front

Theme

Back

lesson or moral of story; a universal truth