Plot Unit Study Guide

Plot

• People, animals, or other beings in the story.
• Is the sequence of connected events that make up the story.
• When and where the story happens, some stories have multiple settings.

Setting

• People, animals, or other beings in the story.
• Is the sequence of connected events that make up the story.
• When and where the story happens, some stories have multiple settings.

Characters

• People, animals, or other beings in the story.
• Is the sequence of connected events that make up the story.
• When and where the story happens, some stories have multiple settings.

Exposition

• Introduces the characters and setting
• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Sets off a chain of events
• Builds the drama of the story
• A new stability is achieved

Inciting Incident

• Sets off a chain of events
• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Introduces the characters and setting
• Builds the drama of the story
• A new stability is achieved

Rising Action

• Builds the drama of the story
• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Sets off a chain of events
• Introduces the characters and setting
• A new stability is achieved

Climax

• The dramatic high point of the action
• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Sets off a chain of events
• Introduces the characters and setting
• Builds the drama of the story

Falling Action

• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Sets off a chain of events
• Introduces the characters and setting
• Builds the drama of the story
• A new stability is achieved

Resolution

• A new stability is achieved
• Tension eases in the aftermath of the climax
• Sets off a chain of events
• Introduces the characters and setting
• Builds the drama of the story

Tragedy

• the hero must eliminate a beast or evil entity to restore order and safety to the world
• with ancient Greek roots, focus on events of sorrow and suffering, exploring serious themes with a somber tone
• involves a journey to find a person, place, or item, often for fame or fortune with drama along the way that is sometimes more important than the goal itself
• the opposite of tragedy, light-hearted and humorous; includes various types such as parody, farce, satire, slapstick, and romantic comedy
• follows the hero’s journey from humble origins through adversity to achieve fame or success, popular in both fiction and nonfiction