The Elements of Plot

​Learning Objective: Why are we doing this?

​

By the time we're done with this lesson, I will be able to describe plot elements in a short story.

​PLOT:  A series of events that make up a story

​Most Plots have 5 Stages:

​

1. 1. EXPOSITION:  Is the first stage of plot-- the author provides important background information and introduces the setting, characters, and conflict.

​2. RISING ACTION:  is the 2^nd stage of plot.  In this stage, events occur that make the story’s conflict more complicated.  These events develop and intensify a story’s conflict

​3. CLIMAX:  is the 3^rd stage of plot. This is the story’s most exciting part and a turning point for the main character.

​4. FALLING ACTION: is the 4^th stage of plot. This is where the tension is eased and events start to unfold as a result of the climax.

​5. RESOLUTION:  is the 5^th and last stage of plot.  It reveals how the story’s problem or conflict gets solved.

​Now it's your turn...

Match

What is the plot structure of this story?

• Mom says they're old enough to live on their own!

• First brother buys house of straw, 2nd sticks, third bricks.... Wolf comes and blows house down of first brother... Wolf goes and blows down house of SECOND brother.... Wolf goes and TRIES to blow down the third brother's house but can't...

• Wolf climbs on the roof and goes down the chimney as the pigs build a fire

• Wolf scalds his bottom, runs up the chimney and down the street.

• The wolf never bothers them again and the three pigs lived happily every after

Inciting Incident

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

• Inciting Incident

• Rising Action

• Climax

• Falling Action

• Resolution

​More Practice

Match

What is the plot structure of this story?

• On the way to deliver goodies to grandma, Little Red meets a wolf and tells him where she's going.

• Wolf rushes ahead and gobbles up grandma... He dresses up like her and is lying in bed when Little Red arrives. Little Red notices the strange eyes, ears, teeth...d

• The wolf cries, "The better to eat you with" and jumps out of bed chasing Little Red who screams! Luckily, a woodsman hears her!

• The woodsman comes to help. Granny pops out of the wolf's belly. The wolf runs away!

• The wolf is never heard from again and Little Red and grandma live happily ever after.

Inciting Incident

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

• Inciting Incident

• Rising Action

• Climax

• Falling Action

• Resolution

Open Ended

Tell me one thing helpful that came with this review!

Open Ended

Tell me one thing about plot that you might want help with before the big day!

​On your own... watch and draw! See me for the answer when done!

Open Ended

What is the INCITING incident?

Open Ended

What is the CLIMAX?

Open Ended

What is the RESOLUTION?