Lesson 9 — Activity 1: Plot


Plot is an essential part of any story.

The plot is:
  • the events or action that make up a story

A story without a plot is not usually interesting because nothing happens!



Here is a diagram that illustrates how a plot is developed.

                                      

Most stories have plots that contain the elements seen above.

1. Introduction or Exposition: We meet the main character(s) of the story, we learn where the story takes place (the setting), and we learn what the story is going to be about (the conflict or problem).

2. Rising Action: There are conflicts and complications that make the story interesting. Conflict describes the problem or obstacle the main character faces in achieving his or her goals in the story.
3. Climax: This is the point in the story where the reader feels the greatest excitement and uncertainty about how the story is going to turn out.

4. Falling Action: After the climax, the story winds down.

5. Conclusion or Resolution: The story ends — and usually the conflict is over.



Image courtesy of www.pixabay.com
Remembering what happened in a fairy tale is a good way to learn about the elements of plot. Here's a plot diagram that has been made for the story of Cinderella:




Image courtesy of www.pixabay.com

As you know, a short story is not usually long enough to have more than a few characters and it likely takes place only in one setting. The longer form of the novel means that more characters can be introduced, many settings can be used, and far more events can be part of the rising action and/or falling action.