3.6 Plot Structure
3.6 Plot Structure
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Identify and explain the parts of the plot structure, and recognize examples of these components in a text
Chapters: change; guessing; jambo; lucky; arrival; stella helps; old news; tricks
Identify and explain the parts of the plot structure, and recognize examples of these components in a text
Chapters: change; guessing; jambo; lucky; arrival; stella helps; old news; tricks
A. What is plot?
A. What is plot?
The plot is a planned and logical sequence of events that make up a story. Most stories follow the same basic pattern; we can picture it as a hill-type shape called a story arc.1
The plot is a planned and logical sequence of events that make up a story. Most stories follow the same basic pattern; we can picture it as a hill-type shape called a story arc.1
Most commonly, the plot structure consists of five elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It also consists of one essential element that launches the story: the conflict. Things start off normally until a problem is introduced, then the events build up until they reach the most exciting moment, and after that everything settles back down again.1
Most commonly, the plot structure consists of five elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It also consists of one essential element that launches the story: the conflict. Things start off normally until a problem is introduced, then the events build up until they reach the most exciting moment, and after that everything settles back down again.1
Let us look at these parts of a plot structure more closely:
Let us look at these parts of a plot structure more closely:
1. Exposition:
Includes information about the characters, setting and basic situation at the beginning of the story.
The author “exposes” the reader to the background information that the reader needs to understand the story.
Inciting Incident/Conflict:
The problem and tension is introduced.
2. Rising Action:
The problem is developed and a sequence of events happen as a result of the conflict.
These events, where the main character faces obstacles and challenges that they must overcome to reach their goal, usually get more intense with time and the tension builds up.
3. Climax:
The most exciting part of the story, or the turning point. In this section of the story, the conflict is faced for the last time.
This often happens towards the end of the story, but not right at the end.
4. Falling Action:
The events that follow after the climax.
The tension and conflict begin to decrease as the story moves towards its resolution, and is usually at a quicker pace than the rising action.
5. Resolution:
The loose ends are tied up and we see how things have changed as a result of the events that happened in the story.
Some stories may bring comfort to the characters, whereas others may not. However, the problem must be resolved.
To Summarise:
To Summarise:
Below is an example of the plot diagram for the story of 'The Three Little Pigs':
Below is an example of the plot diagram for the story of 'The Three Little Pigs':
Fig 7.1: The plot structure for the popular fairytale of 'The Three Little Pigs.'
Fig 7.1: The plot structure for the popular fairytale of 'The Three Little Pigs.'
Practice identifying the different components of the story arc:
Practice identifying the different components of the story arc:
B. How does understanding the plot structure help readers?
B. How does understanding the plot structure help readers?
1. The plot structure acts as a road map or provides an organised framework to help readers understand the story. When we understand the structure of a story, we can anticipate and predict what will happen next.2
1. The plot structure acts as a road map or provides an organised framework to help readers understand the story. When we understand the structure of a story, we can anticipate and predict what will happen next.2
2. The plot structure helps readers to stay engaged with the story by building tension and suspense as the story progresses.2
2. The plot structure helps readers to stay engaged with the story by building tension and suspense as the story progresses.2
3. The plot structure also helps readers to identify key themes and messages in the story. As the story progresses, the characters and events become more complex and nuanced, and the themes and messages that the author is conveying become more apparent.2
Summary:
Summary:
- Fictional stories follow a pattern called the story arc or plot structure.
- The plot is the planned and logical sequence of events in a story.
- There are five essential parts in a plot, plus one essential element that launches the story (inciting incident/conflict). The story arc includes an exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, rising action, and resolution.
- The plot structure helps readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, understand the characters and their motivations, and appreciate the story's themes and messages.
Extension/Further Reading:
Extension/Further Reading:
- In these chapters, we came across the story of Jambo. The author Katheine Applegate tells her readers in a note that Jambo is the story of a real gorilla. If you would like to watch the video of the original incident, click here.
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