STORY BASICS(Just so you know)

Plot

The chain of related events that tells us what happens in a story.

If a plot is well mapped out, the reader is so engrossed in the text that they may often say, “I can’t put it down!”

Introduction

The introduction ALWAYS includes: The title The author’s name The setting Meet main characters

Setting

The time and place in which events of the story happen. Europe, outer space, a living room, etc. Middle ages, 1900s, the future, etc.

There can be many different settings in the same story, or there can be just one.

Characters

People, animals or things that take part in the action.

Each character wants something. Always identify what each character wants…it gives you clues as to what may happen in the plot!

Conflict/Rising Action

Major obstacles that keep the character from getting what he/she wants.

Each conflict causes the action to rise…think of it as a rising pulse, the more that happens, the more it races.

“Holding your breath” part of a story. The conflict is what keeps us reading.

Complications

These are the details of events or situations that develop the conflict and build tension.

Two types of conflict that contribute to the complications.

Internal Conflict Happens inside the

characters mind, and keeps them from getting what they want. It can be doubts, shyness, confusion.

Think of “good angel, bad angel”.

External Conflict Everything, physically,

that keeps the character from getting what he/she wants that is beyond their control!

Can be mother nature, traffic, other characters, etc.

Climax(all conflicts and complications lead to this)

The point of the story at which the conflict reaches its peak…suspense is at the peak!

Climax determines who gets what they want and who doesn’t.

“The Scream” moment of a story.

Resolution

Conclusion of the story when the protagonist (the ‘good guy’) gets what he/she wants and the antagonist (the ‘bad guy’) succumbs.

Conflict is solved as much as possible (sometimes leaving enough suspense for a sequel).

“The End” appears here.

Subplots

These are smaller plots inside a big story but not as important.

Characters are more vague and their purpose is to help make the story rich and interesting. Subplots usually involve the ‘best friend’ or

‘side-kick’ of the leading characters.

Parallel Episodes/Repeated Scenes

When the same event or similar situation is repeated throughout the story.

Can give a sense of a characters routine and also gives clues as to what might happen next.

Can give reader a sense of suspense, closure, etc.

Your Turn!

Read the short story: “The Wise Old Woman” and fill out your plot chart using these notes as a guide!

*The climax is RIGHT BEFORE THE END OF THE STORY…as in, the last page of the story. Remember, the climax is what determines if the main character gets what they want in the end.