Plot

Reading Street

Unit 4 Week 5

Created by Kristi Waltke

Plot• A plot, or underlying story structure, is

found only in fiction.

• A plot begins when a character has aproblem or conflict.

• The problem builds up during the risingaction, is met directly at the climax, andcomes to an end, as the action winds down, during the resolution.

PlotIn the beginning, you have a

problem or goal established. What is the problem in Encyclopedia Brown and the

Case of the Slippery Salamander?

A salamander has been stolen from the aquarium, and Chief Brown doesn’t know

who has taken it.

Plot

The chief said that only three people had the

opportunity to steal Fred. It was either Mrs. King, Sam Maine, or Dr. O’Donnell.

Next, there is rising action thatbuilds toward the climax. What is

the rising action in this story?

Plot

Encyclopedia Brown says that Sam Maine is guilty because he lied. If

he had been working with salamanders for 19 years, he would

have known salamanders are amphibians, not lizards!

Then the conflict or problem isconfronted. This is the climax

of a story. What is the climax of this story?

Plot

Sam admitted to the crime. Fred was returned to the

aquarium. Sam was fired!

Finally you have an outcomeand the problem is resolved.

What was the outcome in this story?

Remember that good readers use

Plot to predict and understand fiction.