Elements of Literature

1. Elements of Literature TAKE NOTES IN YOUR BINDER – YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING THIS INFORMATION!

2. Plot Plot is simply a way of referring to the sequence of events that make up a story. If you say, “that was an interesting plot” you are simply saying you enjoyed the parts of the story.

3. What are the parts? Plot is usually represented using the following diagram: Inciting incident

4. Exposition The exposition is the beginning of a story. It introduces the setting, characters and mood of a story. This is also typically where the conflict is introduced. Inciting incident

5. Inciting Incident The inciting incident (also known as a “narrative hook”) is the first tuning point in the story which causes the conflict to begin. Inciting incident

6. Conflict Conflict is the “problem” in a story. There are several different types of conflict – we will concern ourselves with only 5 of them: • Person vs. Person • Person vs. Self • Person vs. Society • Person vs. Environment/Natural World • Person vs. Supernatural/Technology One human against another human. An individual having an internal conflict. An individual against the laws or beliefs of the world he/she lives in. An individual struggling against something like a ghost, monster or robot/computer. An individual struggling against some element of nature.

7. Character Protagonist:A fancy word for “main character.” Antagonist: The force that causes the conflict. DO NOT mistake this for “the bad guy” – antagonists are not always bad. An antagonist is simply the thing that causes conflict in the story – this could be another character, the wind, the ocean, or the character him/herself.

8. Rising Action The rising action is a series of events that cause a build-up of tension or suspense. Events occur that cause interest for the reader. These events typically are occurring as a result of the conflict(s) introduced in the exposition. There’s nothing to be afraid of…There’s nothing to be afraid of… Inciting incident

9. Climax The climax is usually considered the point of most tension in a story. What you need to know is that the climax marks a change in the story, and is the point at which the reader sees the results of the conflict. Inciting incident

10. Falling Action This is the point in a narrative where the reader will see changes in characters as a result of the conflict being resolved (in the climax). This also known as the “denouement.” Inciting incident

11. Resolution This is the “conclusion” of a story. This is the point in the narrative where the conflict has been resolved and “loose ends” are tied up for the reader. Inciting incident

12. Exit Poll: On a full sheet of paper, write down the following: • Your proper name heading • The title “Exit Poll – Plot” • The answers to the following questions Think of a movie that you have seen recently and respond: • Who/what is the antagonist of the movie? How do you know? • What is the main conflict of the movie? How do you know? • What is the climax of the movie? How do you know? NOTE: DO NOT answer the “how do you know” portion of the questions with a definition of the term