plot and plot line

ELEMENTS OF LITERATUEPLOT

By: Mrs. Wanda Ramírez

PLOT

The plot is the story reduced to its briefest outline. The plot is the action of the story.This action is usually made up of a series of events called the plot line.

PLOT LINEShows the action or events in a

story.

It has five parts: exposition rising action climaxfalling action resolution

exposition

risin

g acti

on

climax

falling action

resolution

EXPOSITION

This is that part of a story (usually the beginning) which explains the background and setting of the story; the characters are often introduced in the exposition.

RISING ACTION

This is the central part of a story during which various problems arise, leading up to the climax.

CLIMAX This is the highest point,

the turning point in the action of a story.

The turning point is where the crucial or major change occurs.

The main turning point is one on which the story focuses and on which our emotions are centered.

There will be some sort of turning point for every major change in the protagonist’s fortune, thought or character.

FALLING ACTION

This is that part of a story which follows the climax or turning point: it contains the action or dialogue necessary to lead the story to a resolution or ending.

RESOLUTION

This is the satisfying end of a play or story- that part in which the problems are solved.

exposition

risin

g acti

on

climax

falling action

resolution

REVIEW

PLOT LINE

APPLICATION EXERCISE

HOMEWORKWRITE ABOUT THE PLOT LINE

IN YOUR INDEPENDET READING

There are three types of plot:PLOT OF FORTUNEPLOT OF THOUGHTPLOT OF CHARACTER

PLOT OF FORTUNE

This plot occurs when the protagonist’s key change is in fortune, wealth, health, reputation,

advancement, marriage, beauty, position, etc.

PLOT OF CHARACTER

This plot occurs when the major change in the protagonist is a change in character.

Examples:The stingy person becomes generous;the dishonest, honest;the cowardly, courageous;the immoral, moral, etc.

Most frequently a change in character is preceded by a change in thought. The plot of character is more commonly found in the novel rather than in the short story.

PLOT OF THOUGHT

This plot occurs when the key change in the protagonist is a change in his/her thought; that is, in his/her philosophy, attitudes, opinions, or knowledge.