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Plot and Conflicts

By: Natalie Vinande, Mandy Johnson, Cam Wing, Liz Stein, and Matthew Looper

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Definition: the series of events or the “roadmap” of how the story plays out

The plot elements include: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Plot

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The beginning of the story Learn about the setting Learn about the characters Situation of the story is introduced

Example: Rainsford and Whitney are on the boat and they are talking about hunting. We learn that Rainsford doesn’t care about the prey he hunts.

Plot: Exposition

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Definition: events that lead up to the climax of the story

Example: Rainsford falls off the boat and swims to the island and meets Ivan and General Zaroff. We also learn about General Zaroff and his obsession for hunting.

Plot: Rising Action

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Definition: turning point in the story

Example: When Rainsford learns that he will be the next prey for General Zaroff.

“My dear fellow,’ said the general, ‘have I not told you I always mean what I say about hunting’ This is really an inspiration. I drink to a foeman worthy of my steel- at last.”

page 30

Plot: Climax

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Definition: action that takes place after the climax that leads to the resolution

Example: When Rainsford is being hunted by General Zaroff.

Plot: Falling Action

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Definition: end of the story where all the conflicts are ended or in some cases you are left “hanging”

Example: When Rainsford outsmarts General Zaroff and returns to his bedroom to kill him.

“The General made one of his deepest bows. ‘I see’ he said. ‘Splendid! One of us is to furnish this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford…’ He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.” page 36

Plot: Resolution

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Psychological struggle within the mind of a character during a story. This internal struggle can be caused from tough decision or actions for the character.

Example: One example is when Rainsford is in a tree and can see

Zaroff coming threw the foliage. Rainsford is instantly nervous and tries to be as still as possible. Once Zaroff smiles and turns away Rainsford starts to shiver and cant get control of his racing mind and heart. All he can do is keep telling himself to calm down. Pages 31-32

Internal Conflict

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Definition: Struggles or challenges a character faces that involves an

outside force.

Example: Some examples of external conflict in the story is when Rainsford is

navigating his way threw the treacherous jungle of the island. Rainsford is constantly walking threw bushes, weeds and plants to try and get as far away as possible from Zaroff. Another example is the bugs that kept nagging Rainsford during his journey. Rainsford had to constantly swat at flies, mosquitos and other insects from his face and skin. Page 31

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External Conflict

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Definition: When the character in a story is struggling with someone else.

This other person gets in the way of the main character and creates tension.

Example: In the story Rainsford and Zaroff are an example of man vs. man

conflict because they are trying to hunt one another. These two characters are fighting and struggling against one another.

Pages 30-36

Man vs. Man

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When the character in a story is struggling with something in the environment. Whether this struggle is with animals or with the terrain, they get in the way of what the character wants to accomplish. These problems make life hard on the character.

Example: One example in the story is when Rainsford is looking for a place to hide.

Rainsford then got his leg stuck in the sinking pits. After he got his leg free Rainsford then thought of a way to use this tough environment to his advantage against Zaroff.

Pages 33-34

Man vs. Nature

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Definition: When a character struggles with something in the world or

community they live in. These problems make it hard in the characters own life like crime or laws that are set up.

Example: In the story an example could be when Zaroff doesn’t find

anymore animals that would satisfy his hunting hunger in the world. Zaroff is an experience hunter and just doesn't feel the same excitement hunting anymore. Now when he can find no more game to hunt, he turns toward humans. Page 24-27

Man vs. Society

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Our literature book Literary terms All American Glossary of Literary Terms A Glossary of Literary Terms Overview of Elements of Fiction

And to our group for taking these definitions and putting them into our own, casual words.

Thanks to…