Understanding Plot Terms

Falling Action

• that follow the climax and lead to resolution

• the introduction of the main characters

• the initial conflict of the story

• the final outcome of the story

Exposition

• of characters, setting, and basic situation

• of conflict and resolution

• of themes and motifs

• of climax and denouement

Sequence of plot elements

• → Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution

• → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution

• → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution → Rising Action

• → Rising Action → Climax → Resolution → Falling Action

Resolution

• end of the story where conflicts are resolved

• the introduction of characters and setting

• the climax of the story where tension peaks

• the conclusion that leaves the reader with questions

Evaluate the effectiveness of a story’s resolution

• how well the ending resolves the main conflict

• the number of characters involved in the story

• the length of the story

• the setting of the story

Climax

• the introduction of the main characters

• the turning point or most intense moment in the story

• the resolution of the conflict

• the setting of the story

Identify the exposition in a story

• where characters and setting are first introduced

• the climax of the story

• the resolution of the conflict

• the main theme of the story

Identify the climax in a narrative

• the moment of greatest tension or turning point

• the introduction of the main character

• the resolution of the conflict

• the setting of the story

Analyze how rising action builds suspense

• It resolves all conflicts and provides closure.

• It introduces complications and increases tension.

• It presents the main theme of the story.

• It describes the setting and characters in detail.

Rising Action

• of events that build suspense and lead to the climax

• the final resolution of the story

• the introduction of the main characters

• the initial conflict that sets the story in motion