Analyzing Story Plots is a reading skill that keeps track of events and helps us readers enjoy the story from

start to finish.

As we follow the sequence of events

we must also be aware of what causes

conflicts or struggles. These

motivations lead us to a new event or

action.

As readers we must be able to follow a story, keep track of what is going on. Being able to identify the main events in sequence is called the building up of events or actions.

When good readers look closely at the text they pick up on the smaller details that influence the characters actions and it motivates us to continue to read the

story. These details help us make inferences about

the internal and external conflicts

the story’s characters struggle with.

An internal conflict means that a conflict is within the character.

It is a part of their mind, emotions, and/or feelings.

Ex: Joe must overcome his shyness in order to try out for the school play.

Ex: Although she had studied for the test, in her mind she had already failed, so she stared blankly at her paper and did not even try.

Details help us make inferences about the internal and external conflicts in the story.

An external conflict means that the conflict is between

a character and the outside world.

Ex: Or they could be struggling withanother character.

Like if two brothers fight over aspecial bicycle. ___________________

Ex: The character could be struggling with nature.

Like fighting the cold (elements) to stay warm.__________________________

Ex: The character can even with struggle with something abstract, like time.

Running late, or trying to turn your homework in on time, or racing to get to bed on time are all things a character can struggle with.____________________

The story gets really interesting when the events lead up to a turning

point, a place where the events take a dramatic change. Also called the

climax, this is the most exciting point in the story.

This very exciting turning point

in the story is normally followed

by a RESOLUTION that solves

the story’s conflicts, both

the internal and external

conflicts.

(But be aware, sometimes the

resolution is that there is no solution,

things are the way they are and it

cannot always be changed)

The end of the story

should explain any problems,

misunderstandings, or

mysteries for the reader.

An author may even give

a short summary to help

the reader experience a

deeper understanding of the story.

Analyzing Story Plots is a reading skill that keeps track of events and helps us readers enjoy the story from

start to finish.

Take a look at these thinking maps that we can use to stay organized