Plot Diagram Elements for ESL Students

*Front:* Falling Action

• events after the climax

• the introduction of characters

• the resolution of the conflict

• the initial setup of the story

Protagonist

• main character in the story

• a minor character

• the antagonist

• the setting of the story

Theme

• A specific event in the story

• The main character's journey

• lesson or moral of story; a universal truth

• The setting of the story

*Front:* Climax

• point of most tension in the story; after climax, everything in story changes

• the introduction of the main characters and setting

• the resolution of the conflict in the story

• the initial event that sets the story in motion

*Front:* Resolution

• events at the beginning of the story that introduce the conflict

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

• events that provide background information about the characters

• events that create suspense and tension throughout the story

*Front:* Setting - Place

• WHERE the story takes place

• The main character's journey

• The author's writing style

• The time period of the story

*Front:* Exposition

• at beginning of story -- characters, setting, and basic situation are established

• a conflict arises that drives the plot forward

• the climax of the story where the main character faces a challenge

• the resolution where the story concludes and loose ends are tied up

*Front:* Setting - Time

• WHEN the story takes place

• The main character's journey

• The location of the story

• The conflict in the story

*Front:* Rising Action

• events in the story leading up to the climax

• the final resolution of the story

• the introduction of the main characters

• the setting of the story's location

*Front:* Conflict

• problem or struggle in the story

• a peaceful resolution

• a character's internal thoughts

• the setting of the story