2.3 Plot
2.3 Plot
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Determine the plot of a graphic novel
In every exciting story, as you read, the events in the novel will come together and form what is called the plot. In this lesson, let's discover how the plot works its magic of bringing stories to life!
A. What is a Plot?
A plot refers to the logical sequence of events that happen throughout a story.
It prompts the question, “What happens in the beginning, middle and end of the story1?”
Fig. 3.1: Plot Diagram4
This is a plot diagram.
Fiction stories generally have a similar pattern, which we can imagine as a mountain-shaped arc. There are five essential parts in a plot1. Every story has a beginning, middle and end.
1. At the beginning, we are introduced to characters and setting.
2. Then, as part of the rising action, the story begins to speed up with more details about the challenges the characters might be facing.
3. These challenges build up, leading us up to the climax or the most exciting part of the story - this might be a point after which the story can take any direction.
4. After the climax, the story begins to reach its end. During falling action, we feel at peace because we know where the story is headed.
5. In the end, during the resolution, the solutions to the various challenges are found5.
Let us take a closer look at each part1:
Practice identifying the different components of the plot mountain:
B. How to Identify the Plot of a Story?
To understand how to use each of these parts to analyse the beginning, middle and end of the story, refer to an example of a plot diagram given below for the story ‘The Thunderbolt Kids.’
Below is a Plot Diagram for the story ‘The Thunderbolt Kids:’
C. How Does Following the Plot of the Story Help Me When I Read?
1. The plot structure acts as a road map that helps us highlight important details or main events in the story.
2. It helps us understand the story better.
3. When we understand the structure of a story, we can anticipate and predict what will happen next.
Glossary for The Thunderbolt Kids
Glossary for The Thunderbolt Kids
expelled: no longer allowed to be a part of an institution or a group
model: to create a small version or a copy of something
laboratory: a place with all the materials needed to conduct experiments
launch: to set off
blazes: moving quickly and energetically, almost like flying through the air
wrecks: the act of causing severe damage to something
equipment: tools used for a particular activity, or task
standstill: the act of being in a fixed position
trash: to cause damage or chaos
assumptions: conclusions or beliefs that are made without solid proof
tatters: in a state of chaos
Summary:
Summary:
Just like fictional stories, graphic novels or comics also follow a pattern called the plot mountain or plot structure.
A plot refers to the series of events that make up the story. It has a beginning, middle, and end.
The plot mountain has five essential parts, namely:
a. Exposition: the introduction of characters and the setting
b. Rising Action: the problem that arises in the story
c. Climax: the turning point of the story where the main character(s) will change in some way
d. Falling Action: the action that is a result of the climax
e. Resolution: the story comes to a reasonable ending
References
1 What is Plot? The Write Practice (n.d.) (link)
2 Elements of Plot and How to Use Them to Build Your Novel. Author Learning Center (n.d.) (link)
3 Reading Comprehension: How To Effectively Teach Elements of Plot in a Story. Stellar Teacher (n.d.) (link)
4 Explain the influence of Setting on Plot Development in Literary Text/Fiction. TexasGateway. (n.d.) (link)
5 Exploring Plot Mountain. Teach Simple (2023) (link)
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