Plot StructureAnalyzing plot points

A plot structure pyramid

Exposition Set the scene Introduce characters Establish point of view There is no story… yet

Exposition in Finding Nemo Marlin’s cautious nature is shown when he goes

in and out of the home indefinitely

Nemo’s ‘lucky fin’ is revealed, showing that he was physically affected by the barracuda attack.

We also see that Nemo is a regular kid, annoyed by his father’s worrying.

Marlin is socially awkward, revealed through his terribly unfunny joke.

Inciting incident The story starts where the trouble starts Create conflict Complicate your protagonist’s life

Protagonist = main character

Inciting incident in Finding Nemo When does the conflict truly begin?

Nemo is taken by the divers

It is the origin of the next act, the rising action

Rising action The story builds Key characters are in focus Characters are in trouble Many small challenges leading to the bigger goal

Rising action in Finding Nemo Dory!

Marlin encounters the sharks.

Marlin goes through the jellyfish. Meets Crush

Nemo gains the friendship of the aquarium fish.

Nemo attempts to escape the aquarium.

Climax The moment of greatest tension The point to which all events have led Characters act

Climax in Finding Nemo The search for Nemo intersects with

Nemo’s own adventures in the dentist’s office.

The climax continues into the ocean, reaching its peak when Nemo rescues the fish trapped in a net.

Falling action Events are a result of the climax The story nears its end What is the fallout from the climax?

Falling action in Finding Nemo Nemo saves Dorie

Marlin learns to trust his son.

Resolution The protagonist solves the problem

Characters change because of the journey

Resolution in Finding Nemo Marlin finally tells his whole joke.

Marlin is no longer over protective of his son.

Nemo is confident and happy.