Plot

This lesson is for G Block students. We will discuss plot elements before you continue to work on the script.

Plot: means the main happening (action, event, occurrence, incident) which carries the story forward. A short story has only one plot; a novel may have several.

Basic Parts

Introduction: - arouses interest - gives the setting - gives any necessary background information - introduces characters - suggests theme

Rising Action: - major portion of the plot - a succession of steps each presenting an obstacle or problem - leads to a climax

Conflict: - clash of opposing persons, forces, ideas or emotions - three basic types:

1. man against man 2. man against himself 3. man against environment

Climax: - culmination of rising action - highest point of interest in the story - where the character’s fortunes change for the better or for the worse

Denouement: - the unraveling of thoughts - explains what really happened; shows the effect of the climax

Conclusion: - ties up loose ends