Elements of Fiction:

1. Elements of Fiction: Plot

2. Definition • The series of events that give a story its meaning and effect. • If asked to give a summary of the story, the plot is what you are summarizing.

3. Set in Motion… • The plot is set in motion by some type of conflict. • There are 2 types of conflict: • Internal a character struggles within himself/tries to come to terms with a decision • Externala struggle between a character and another character or outside force

4. Conflict • The conflict might be: • a personal dilemma • a pressing desire • a threatening enemy • a burdensome duty • the loss of something important. • In most stories, a series of character choices leads ultimately to a resolution of the problem.

5. Parts of the Plot • The plot of a story is divided into 4 parts: • Exposition • Rising Action • Climax • Falling Action/Resolution

6. Exposition • This is the beginning of the story. • It presents background information such as introducing characters, telling about the setting, mentioning the conflict, etc. • Generally the first chapter or 2 of a novel

7. Rising Action • The character experiences conflict through a series of plot complicationsthat entangle him or her more deeply in the problem/conflict. • Complications: Plot events that plunge the protagonist further into conflict

8. Climax • The plot's most dramatic and revealing moment, usually the turning point of the story. • This is where the characters are directly involved in addressing the conflict of the story.

9. Falling Action/Resolution • The conflict is resolved. • This leads quickly to the story’s end/resolution. • Things have generally changed at the end of a story, either in the character or the situation; drama subsides, and a new status quo is achieved.