Plot Structure: Linear, Nonlinear, and Parallel

Linear & Nonlinear Plot Development

by Sanetta Johnson

​Objectives

The learner will:

• ​Define the elements of linear plot development.

• ​Define elements of nonlinear plot development.

• ​Explain the difference between linear and nonlinear plot development.

Poll

What do you know about plot development?

• I don't have a clue.

• I can remember 2 or 3  of the plot elements.

• I can remember all the plot elements.

• I remember all the plot elements AND I can accurately complete a plot map.

What is Plot?

• ​Events that take place in a story is the plot.

• ​The events give a story a beginning, middle, and end

• ​Events are influenced by character and setting

• ​Linear plot elements happen in chronological (time) order

​Conflict

• ​Conflict is the main problem in the story

  • ​every story must have a conflict

• The moment the conflict is introduced is the ​inciting incident.

Multiple Choice

The sequence of events in a story is called...

• conflict

• plot 

• inciting incident

• character development

Fill in the Blanks

​Linear Plot

• ​Exposition-​happens before the inciting incident; background information about the characters, setting and sometimes introduces the main conflict

​inciting incident starts the rising action

• ​Rising Action-events that build tension, interest, or suspense

• ​​Climax-point of highest interest; the turning point

• ​Falling Action-events that lead to the resolution

• ​​Resolution-how the conflict is solved

  • can be happy or sad

Multiple Choice

A synonym for exposition is---

• character and setting

• conflict

• point of view

• introduction

Multiple Choice

The exposition contains all the following EXCEPT:

• Setting

• Character

• Theme

• Conflict

​Nonlinear Plot Elements

When events of a story seem to happen at ​out of order

• ​foreshadowing-setting details, character behaviors or dialogue, that hint at future events

• ​flashback-event set in an earlier time; usually to show a character's memory (backstory)

• ​parallel plot-a separate series of events that happen at the same time as the central plot

• ​subplot-a minor plotline that supports the central plot

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice

Think about the following shows, which is an example of parallel plot?

• Teen Titans Go!

• Scooby Doo Where are You?

• Phineas and Ferb

• Looney Tunes

Multiple Choice

The difference between a linear plot and a nonlinear plot is---

• A linear plot line occurs in chronological order

• A nonlinear plot line occurs in chronological order

• A linear plot line has a theme

• A nonlinear plot line is not real

Open Ended

What are two things you learned from today's lesson?