Plot Structure

Front

Protagonist

Back

The character whose fate is most closely followed by the reader or audience, and who is opposed by the antagonist.

Front

Antagonist

Back

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.

Front

Falling Action

Back

Events after the climax that lead to the resolution of the story.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The series of events that build suspense and introduce conflict in the story.

Front

Exposition

Back

A narrative device used at the beginning of a work that provides necessary background information about the characters and their circumstances.

Front

Climax

Back

The point in the story where a decisive change occurs, often referred to as the point of no return.

Front

Conflict

Back

The struggle between opposing forces, which drives the plot of the story.

Front

Resolution

Back

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved and the story comes to a close.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which the story occurs.

Front

Inciting Incident

Back

An event that sets the main conflict of the story into motion.