Plot

1
Plot

• The sequence of events

2
What a plot is not

• If an author writes, "The king died and then the
  queen died," there is no plot for a story.
• But by writing, "The king died and then the queen
  died of grief," the writer has provided a plot
  line for a story.

3
Plot is

• A plot is a causal sequence of events, the "why"
  for the things that happen in the story
• The plot
• draws the reader into the characters lives
• helps the reader understand the choices that the
  characters make

4
Plot and structure

• A plot's structure is the way in which the story
  elements are arranged.
• Writers vary structure depending on the needs of
  the story. For example, in a mystery, the author
  will withhold plot exposition until later in the
  story. In William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily"
  it is only at the end of the story that we learn
  what Miss Emily has been up to all those years
  while locked away in her Southern mansion.

5
Elements of plot

• Part 1 Exposition
• Exposition sets the stage of the story
• Setting Time and place
• Characters/personalities introduced
• Mood is established

6
Elements of plot

• Part 2 Rising action
• It becomes clear who the protagonist (main
  character) is, and who/what the antagonist
  (opposing person/force) is
• Conflicts are introduced to the protagonist
• External conflict person vs. outside force
• Internal conflict person vs. own conscience
• Mood is still created w/ settings/characters

7
Elements of plot

• Part 3 Climax
• Moment of greatest tension - when the intensity
  and readers interest reach their highest point
• Often the point when the largest conflict is
  solved

8
Elements of plot

• Part 4 Falling action
• The direct outcome of the conflict
• The events that result from the climactic point

9
Elements of plot

• Part 5 Resolution
• Final outcome
• Theme is revealed
• Theme The main message or point an author seems
  to make with the story.

10
Examples of plot Poes The Masque of the Red
Death

• Exposition Plague-ravaged countryside, Prospero
  locks everyone in the castle, decides to throw a
  party
• We learn about the setting and the main
  characters personality here

11
Masque contd.

• Rising Action A mood of joviality mixed with
  hourly serious reflection (from the clock
  chiming) mysterious figure appears, people begin
  to respond conflict What to do with this guy?
  Who is he?
• Everyone wonders who the figure is, including
  Prospero, who is shocked at the figures boldness
  to wear such a costume

12
Masque contd.

• Climax Prospero erupts in anger and pursues the
  figure through the rooms
• This is the climax b/c he is king everyone
  waits to see what he does, and he has made his
  choice, which is to attack and murder the figure

13
Masque contd.

• Falling Action Prospero falls dead the people
  go to grasp the figure the figure disappears,
  leaving only garments
• Resolution All die
• Theme No one can escape death death will
  always find you