6.7.c

Plot

Plot refers to the events that occur in a story. Authors arrange these events in a logical manner so that readers can see how they connect together. The structure of a story can change depending on how the author chooses to organize events.

At the most basic level, there are five primary elements of plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This is also referred to as dramatic structure, as it originated from plays.

Exposition —

This refers to the beginning of a story. The setting is established, and the main character or characters are introduced to readers. It is here that the characters' goals and motivations are first shown.

Rising Action —

During a plot's rising action, the conflict in the story is introduced, and characters will begin making an effort to reach their goals. Tension and excitement begin to build during this section.

Climax —

The climax of a story is its highest point or turning point. This is often the part of the story that has the most action or emotion and leaves readers wondering what will happen next.

Falling Action —

In the falling action, the events and conflicts of the story begin to resolve. The effects of the characters' actions are revealed to the audience.

Resolution —

The resolution is the end of a story. The conflict has been resolved, and the characters' goals have either been achieved or not.

NONLINEAR PLOTS

The plot structure above applies to linear plots, which describe events in the order that they occurred. Nonlinear plots, on the other hand, describe events out of chronological order. Present events may be interrupted to describe past situations, or a story may start at the middle or end instead of the beginning.

In nonlinear plots, authors may employ different literary techniques to tell their story. One of the most common techniques is the flashback.

Flashback —

A flashback is a scene that is interjected into a story that takes it back in time. It is primarily used to tell about events that occurred before the main timeline of a story or to provide backstory on a character or situation.

Plot

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 6.7.c

analyze plot elements, including rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and non-linear elements such as flashback;

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