Plot Structure

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Plot Structure
Plot is the literary element that describes the
structure of a story. It shows the relationship
of events and actions within a story.
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Plot Structure Components
Exposition The start of the story. The way
things are before the action starts. Characters
are introduced and the setting is described.
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3 Little Pigs Example
Exposition There were 3 little pigs who lived
in the country. They had grown up and their
mother said it was time they moved to their own
houses.
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Plot Structure Components
Rising Action the series of events in the story
that lead to the climax.
Exposition
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3 Little Pigs Example

• The wolf climbs on roof of the brick
  house to go down the chimney and eat the 3rd pig.
• The wolf blows down the stick and straw houses
  and eats the two pigs.
• The pigs build houses of straw, sticks, and
  bricks.
• Rising Action

Exposition
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Plot Structure Components
Climax the turning point or the most intense
moment of the story

Rising Action
Exposition
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3 Little Pigs Example
Climax The 3rd pig saw the wolf climb on the
roof so he lit a fire in the fireplace and placed
a pot of boiling water on the fire.
Rising Action
Exposition
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Plot Structure Component
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action any events directly related to
the climax
Exposition
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3 Little Pigs Example
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action The wolf fell into the pot of
boiling water and that was the end of him.
Exposition
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Plot Structure Components
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Exposition
Resolution The conclusion, the tying together of
all of the threads.
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3 Little Pigs Example
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Exposition
Resolution The little pig lived happily ever
after.
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3 Little Pig Plot Analysis
Climax The 3rd pig saw the wolf climb on the
roof so he lit a fire in the fireplace and placed
a pot of boiling water on the fire.

• The wolf blows down the stick and straw houses
  and eats the two pigs.
• The wolf climbs on roof of the brick house to go
  down the chimney and eat the 3rd pig.
• The pigs build houses of straw, sticks, and
  bricks.
• Rising Action

Falling Action The wolf fell into the pot of
boiling water and that was the end of him.
Exposition There were 3 little pigs who lived
in the country. They had grown up and their
mother said it was time they moved to their own
houses.
Resolution The little pig lived happily ever
after.
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Now lets try together!
Read aloud the poem The Twins in a very serious
voice. Then analyze the plot of the poem on your
copy of the diagram.
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The Twins
Exposition Two twin boys were born identical so
no one could tell them apart.
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The Twins

• The twins were always mixed up at school.
• The nurse mixed them up in the hospital nursery.
• Rising Action

Exposition
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The Twins
Climax A bride was mixed up and married the
wrong twin.
Rising Action
Exposition
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The Twins
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action The narrator dies.
Exposition
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The Twins
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Exposition
Resolution His brother John was buried instead
of him.
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Now its your turn!
Read aloud the folk tale The Lamb with the
Golden Fleece then analyze the plot of the story
on your copy of the diagram.