Lesson 26 — Activity 1: Plot Summary

Most stories and novels have several elements, such as a plot, setting, characters, and a theme. In this lesson, you will review some of the elements of the plot of the novel Big Burn.

Plot is an essential part of any story. The plot is the series of events or actions in the story. A story without a strong plot is not usually very interesting! Most stories have plots that contain the following elements:

• 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.

• Rising action — There are conflicts and complications that make the story interesting. Conflict is the term used to describe the problem or obstacle the main character faces in achieving his or her goals in the story.

• Climax — This is the point in the story where there is the greatest excitement and uncertainty about how the story is going to turn out.

• Falling action — After the climax, the story winds down.

• Conclusion or Resolution — This is the end of the story.