93 POINTS AWARDED Decide how far along the plot pyramid the novel has progressed. For each plot stage that has
already occurred – or already begun to occur – list the details that best represent that stage.
Don’t forget to include exposition details, such as those related to the setting and the
characters. When you add details that represent the novel’s rising action, list events in the
order they occur – with the most recent events closest to the top of the pyramid. Finally, make
a prediction: What event could become the novel’s climax?

 Plot Structure Forces in Conflict with the Protagonist

Conflict:  the struggle the main character

experiences against some type of force.

External Conflicts (Forces)

individual vs. individual

individual vs. nature

individual vs. society

individual vs. technology

individual vs. supernatural

Internal Conflict (Force)

individual vs. self

Elements of Plot Structure                        

http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/setting.html

Beginning/Exposition:  The opening of the story usually provides background information on the characters and

setting.  It introduces the main characters, gives details that help to establish the setting, and may also explain what

happened before the story began.

Initiating Event:  Either an idea or an action introduces a central conflict/problem and sets plot events into motion.  As

a result of the initiating event, the protagonist (main character) faces a problem or is working toward a goal.  The

initiating event may occur at the end of the exposition or may have occurred before the opening of the story.  

Rising Action:  The main character (protagonist) reacts to the initiating event by taking steps to achieve a goal or

resolve a problem.  A force, however, is in conflict with the character.  Each step taken is accompanied by an outcome,

the success or failure of the protagonist's attempt.   The character reacts to each complication and makes several

attempts through the rising action to reach the goal or resolve the problem.  Some attempts may fail and others may be

successful.    

Climax:  The climax occurs at the turning point which is usually the most suspenseful or emotional moment of the story.  

The climax is reached when the protagonist takes the last step to resolve a conflict or reach a goal. The result of this step

or action is the turning point.  The turning point begins to lead the reader to the final outcome or resolution of the

conflict.

Falling Action:  The action falls immediately after the turning point.  Events that occur in the falling action are the after‐

effects or consequences of the climax.  Actions and dialogue lead the reader to the story's logical conclusion.    

Ending/Resolution/Conclusion:  The story ends in a situation that has evolved from the protagonist's success or failure

to achieve the goal or eliminate the problem.  The reader understands how the conflict has brought the story to its

ending.

Special Plot Techniques

Montgomery County Public Schools

Foreshadowing:  The author's use of clues, hints, or information suggesting events that will occur later in the plot.  

Sometimes things like weather are used.  A storm cloud on the horizon could suggest danger ahead.  At other times

characters may talk about the future or a character may even make a prediction as a means of foreshadowing later

events.

Flashback:  The author's interruption of the sequential plot events to return to an earlier event.  This past event is

represented as if it is happening in real time.  The author uses a flashback to provide important background information

to help the reader understand the present situation in the story narrative.

Beginning/Exposition:  The opening of the story usually provides background information on the characters and

setting.  It introduces the main characters, gives details that help to establish the setting, and may also explain what

happened before the story began.

Initiating Event:  Either an idea or an action introduces a central conflict/problem and sets plot events into motion.  As

a result of the initiating event, the protagonist (main character) faces a problem or is working toward a goal.  The

initiating event may occur at the end of the exposition or may have occurred before the opening of the story.  

Rising Action:  The main character (protagonist) reacts to the initiating event by taking steps to achieve a goal or

resolve a problem.  A force, however, is in conflict with the character.  Each step taken is accompanied by an outcome,

the success or failure of the protagonist's attempt.   The character reacts to each complication and makes several

attempts through the rising action to reach the goal or resolve the problem.  Some attempts may fail and others may be

successful.    

Climax:  The climax occurs at the turning point which is usually the most suspenseful or emotional moment of the story.  

The climax is reached when the protagonist takes the last step to resolve a conflict or reach a goal. The result of this step

or action is the turning point.  The turning point begins to lead the reader to the final outcome or resolution of the

conflict.

Falling Action:  The action falls immediately after the turning point.  Events that occur in the falling action are the after‐

effects or consequences of the climax.  Actions and dialogue lead the reader to the story's logical conclusion.    

Ending/Resolution/Conclusion:  The story ends in a situation that has evolved from the protagonist's success or failure

to achieve the goal or eliminate the problem.  The reader understands how the conflict has brought the story to its

ending.

Special Plot Techniques

Montgomery County Public Schools

Foreshadowing:  The author's use of clues, hints, or information suggesting events that will occur later in the plot.  

Sometimes things like weather are used.  A storm cloud on the horizon could suggest danger ahead.  At other times

characters may talk about the future or a character may even make a prediction as a means of foreshadowing later

events.

Flashback:  The author's interruption of the sequential plot events to return to an earlier event.  This past event is

represented as if it is happening in real time.  The author uses a flashback to provide important background information

to help the reader understand the present situation in the story narrative

what are the lines. come on!

i decided to stay late in the laboratory to continue my experiment with the lightbulb. at midnight, thomas edison opened the door and saw all the stuff he was working on. the lightbulb, film and the transmitter. as he walks in an idea hits him on how the lightbulb would work. he would have to change a few wires around to get it to light up. when he did change the wires around it worked so he decided to write a telegraph to his friend to tell him about his success.   as he was packing up he grabbed the telegraph and walked to his home. he told his wife about the success and the next morning mailed the telegraph.