6.3 Plot

Elements of a Plot Diagram

As you read your novel, you summarized the main events of the novel concisely and clearly. These summaries will help you to complete a plot diagram. Where do the events you summarized fit?

Exposition: This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story.  Here the characters are introduced.  We also learn about the setting of the story.  Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).
Rising Action: The plot thickens. Events unfold that may make it seem like the main problem will never be solved! Most of the novel is rising action. This can be many chapters long.
Climax: This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with the main problem or conflict.  Often, the main character will become changed in some way because of the climax. It is often, but not always, a very exciting point in a story.
Falling Action: All loose ends of the plot are tied up.  The conflict(s) and climax are resolved. This is usually quite short - a chapter or two of an entire novel.
Resolution: The story comes to a reasonable ending. It is hard to tell where the falling action ends and the resolution begins. This is usually quite short - often a chapter or less of an entire novel.