Identify the main events of the plot, their causes, and their influences of each event on future actions.

Plot is what happens in the story.

All stories have a plot. We think of it as the problem a character has to deal with or solve.

The main characters are who the story is mostly about.

Secondary characters are the smaller characters that have smaller parts.

When you’re studying plot, you need to focus on the main characters.

Think about the movie Finding Nemo.

Who were the main characters?

Nemo, Dory, MarlanNemo, Dory, Marlan

Setting is where the story takes place.

Setting is important because it gives you clues about the plot.

In Nemo, what is the setting?

Ocean & Fish tankOcean & Fish tank

If you were telling a scary story, would the setting be day or night

Night!Night! Would it be a calm night or a

stormy night?

StormyStormy!

The conflict is the main problem that has to be solved.

What was the conflict in Finding Nemo?

Trying to find Nemo Trying to find Nemo

Nemo trying to escape the fish Nemo trying to escape the fish tanktank

The rising action is the chain of events that occur.

It shows how the character is dealing with the problem and trying to find a solution.

In Finding Nemo, did the dad find Nemo immediately, or did the story build?

This is where the main action occurs.

It is the high point of the story.

In Finding Nemo, what was the climax of the story?

When they finally found each When they finally found each other!other!

The resolution is the conclusion of the story.

All loose ends are tied up and the reader is satisfied with the story.

Did Finding Nemo end immediately when they found each other, or did they wrap up the story?

One way to organize your ideas is to use a chain of events diagram.

Nemo is captured in the ocean

and taken to the fish tank.

Marlan and Dory search everywhere

to find Nemo.

Nemo escapes, is found by

Dory, and is reunited with his

Dad.

Another way to organize the steps involved in the plot is to use a plotline organizer.

Conflict

Climax

Resolution

Risi

ng

Act

ion

Think about a story. Now, think about the events

that help the character solve their problem.

Let’s practice with movies and TV shows.

Main Characters

Buzz and WoodyBuzz and Woody Setting

Sunnyside PreschoolSunnyside Preschool Plot

They are trying to escape They are trying to escape preschoolpreschool

Main Characters

Lightning McQueenLightning McQueen Setting

Radiator SpringsRadiator Springs Plot

Trying to get to California to Trying to get to California to win the Piston Cupwin the Piston Cup

Main Characters

BarneyBarney Setting

PlaygroundPlayground Plot

Help friend learn how to shareHelp friend learn how to share

Main Characters

Agent OsoAgent Oso Setting

BackyardBackyard Plot

Helps Lisa tie her shoesHelps Lisa tie her shoes

Main Characters

Setting

Plot

Main Characters

Setting

Plot

Main Characters

Setting

Plot

A park, the forest, and a jungle are examples of _____.

In the book Charlotte’s Web, Wilbur is trying to avoid being killed and turned into bacon. This is an example of ____.

This is the high point of the story; the place where the problem is solved.

The people in the story are called the _____.

This organizer allows you to map out the story, building to the climax.

This is the part of the story that builds.

In the book Charlotte’s Web, Wilbur is an example of _____.

The problem that a character is trying to solve is called the _____.

This is where the story begins.

In the book Charlotte’s Web, Wilbur lives on a farm. This is an example of ____.

This is at the end of the story. It ties up all the loose ends.

Where the story takes place is called the _____.

Mae Jemison, Ellen Craft, and Mrs. Frisby are examples of _____.

This organizer “links” the story together in sequential order.

“It was a dark, stormy night. The moon was hidden behind the clouds and the sky was without stars. It was pitch black outside, the perfect time to tell ghost stories.” This is an example of _____.

“Tessa would say she was an ordinary girl. That is, until she began to play chess. Then she turned into a genius. She could beat any opponent. Her dad had taught her well.” This is an example of _____.