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PLOT STRUCTURE. The chronological blueprint for all short stories, novels, and drama. Warning. To whom it may concern:
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PLOT STRUCTURE The chronological blueprint for all short stories, novels, and drama.
Warning To whom it may concern: Any information that I tell you qualifies as being of high enough importance that it may reappear on a test or a quiz at anytime throughout the year. That may lead one to ask, “Do I have to write down this information that you are showing me?” What do you think!
ELEMENTS OF PLOT • CLIMAX • EXPOSITION • RISING ACTION • RESOLUTION / DENEMOUNT • FALLING ACTION • CONFLICT
Key Terms • Protagonist • Antagonist
Key Terms - Defined • Protagonist is the leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or literary work. The audience roots for this person and takes joy in their successes and disappointment in their mistakes. • Antagonist is the adversary of the hero or protagonist of a drama or other literary work. Makes life miserable for the hero and does everything he/she can to insure the protagonist fails at his / her endeavors.
What is Exposition? • The exposition provides the background information needed to properly understand the story, such as the protagonist, the antagonist, the basic conflict, and the setting. • Usually the least intriguing part of the story or novel. • The exposition ends with the inciting moment, which is the incident without which there would be no story. The inciting moment sets the remainder of the story in motion beginning the rising action.
Conflict There are two main types of conflict. External and Internal
External Conflict A struggle between a character and an outside force
External Conflict Man – vs.- Man
External Conflict Man – vs.- Nature
External Conflict Man – vs. Supernatural
External Conflict Man – vs.- Animal
External Conflict Man – vs.- Society
External Conflict Man – vs.- Technology
Internal Conflict Man – vs. - Self
Rising Action • During rising action, the basic conflict is complicated by the introduction of various obstacles that frustrate the protagonist's attempt to reach his goal.
Climax • The climax, or turning point, marks a change, for the better or the worse, in the protagonist’s affairs. If the story is a comedy, things will have gone badly for the protagonist up to this point; now, the tide, so to speak, will turn, and things will begin to go well for him or her. If the story is a tragedy, the opposite state of affairs will ensue, with things going from good to bad for the protagonist. • The final resolution of the conflict.
Falling Action • During the falling action, or resolution, which is the moment of reversal after the climax, the conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist unravels, with the protagonist winning or losing against the antagonist. The falling action might contain a moment of final suspense, during which the final outcome of the conflict is in doubt.
Resolution / Denouement • The comedy ends with a dénouement (a conclusion) in which the protagonist is better off than at the story's outset. • The tragedy ends with a catastrophe in which the protagonist is worse off than at the beginning of the narrative.
Group Work • In your groups identify • Protagonist • Antagonist • Type of conflict • In your groups complete Plot Chart.
Final Questions Do all plotlines have to follow this structure? Do you know of any plots that don’t follow this format when events are outlined chronologically? Think – Pair - Share