Plot Lines

Draw the following in your composition book.

Plot

• The sequence of events or actions in a short story, novel, play, or narrative poem.

Plot Line

Ex

Exposition

Exposition

Definition – The author lays the groundwork for the story by revealing the setting, relationships between the actors, and the situation as it exists before a conflict begins.

Questions to ask yourself:• What information does the writer

give you at the beginning of the story?

Plot Line

Exposition Inciting Incident

Inciting Incident

Definition – interrupts the peace and balance of the situation and one or more of the characters comes into conflict with an outside force, himself, or another character.

Questions to ask yourself:• What is the first important thing that

pulls you into the story?

Plot Line

Rising Action

Exposition Inciting Incident

Rising Action

Definition – the action and events that take place in the story and build up to the critical moment when the main conflict is confronted.

Questions to ask yourself:• What types of conflicts are present in

the story?

Plot Line

Climax

Rising Action

Exposition Inciting Incident

Climax

Definition – the most critical moment in the story; the point at which the main conflict is at its highest point.

Something to think about:• This is usually the most suspenseful

or exciting part of a story.

Plot Line

Climax

Rising Action Falling Action

Exposition Inciting Incident

Falling Action

Definition – Events that occur after the climax and lead up to the closure and conclusion of the story.

Questions to think about:• In what way is the action in this part

of the story different from the first part?

Plot Line

Climax

Rising Action Falling Action

Resolution

Exposition Inciting Incident

Resolution

Also called a “denoument”

Definition – the problem set up in the inciting incident is unraveled; there is a revelation of meaning.

Something to think about:• This is usually the very end of a story.• Some stories will not have a denouement

because of a shocking or surprise ending.

Let’s try one together!

Little Red Riding HoodPlot Chart

Exposition

• What do we need to know about the story as we begin to read it?

Inciting Incident

• What interrupts the peace of the story?

Rising Action

• What events happen that lead you to believe a conflict is about to happen?

Climax

• What is the most critical moment in the story?

Falling Action

• What happens after the climax?

Resolution

• What is the conclusion or resolution of the story?

Your turn!

• Read “Seventh Grade” by Gary Soto.

• With your partner, create a plot chart for the story. Be prepared to share with the class.