3.6 Plot Structure: Inciting Change
3.6 Plot Structure: Inciting Change
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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
Plot refers to the planned and logical sequence of events in a story.
It includes five essential parts, along with one essential element that launches the story.
Most stories follow the same basic pattern, which can be visualized as a mountain-shaped arc. A story typically starts normally, then the events build up until they reach the most exciting part, and after that everything settles down again.
Each of these parts has a name.
When we understand the structure of a story, we can anticipate and predict what will happen next.
The plot structure acts as a road map to help us understand the story better.
Let us look at these parts of a plot structure more closely: 1
Exposition:
This introduces the setting, characters, and environment at the beginning of the story.
The author is “exposing” the readers to the backstory.
Conflict:
The central problem or challenge is introduced.
Rising Action:
A sequence of events that happen as a result of the conflict.
These usually get more intense with time and the tension builds up.
Climax:
The climax is the story's most exciting moment or turning point, where the conflict is faced directly for the final time.
This often happens near the end of the story, but not at the very conclusion.
Falling Action:
The events after the climax; usually quicker than the rising action.
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:
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.'
Practice identifying the different components of the story arc:
Practice identifying the different components of the story arc:
Glossary
predict: to guess what might happen next in the story based on what we know
anticipate: to look forward to something happening in the story based on clues and plot structure
turning point: a big change or event in the story where things start to go in a new direction
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.
It consists of five key parts, plus one crucial element (conflict) that sets the story in motion. The story arc includes an exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
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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