Introduction

The plot of a story or play is the series of events that happen. All stories have similar parts that act as building blocks to make up the plot. The plot begins with the exposition that reveals the setting and major characters. Most of the plot consists of the rising action, where the events of the story become complicated. These events set the conflict in motion. This is the struggle between characters or forces that shapes the action of the plot. The climax is the turning point of the story. This is the most exciting, important moment. It is followed by falling action, where the events start to resolve. Finally, the story ends with the resolution explaining how the conflict is resolved.

The characters and the ways they think, feel and behave help drive the plot. The setting helps shape the characters and determine the choices they make. Sometimes the setting almost becomes a character in itself, and the events of the plot and the way the characters respond to them can change the setting.

Sometimes the conflict is a struggle between two or more characters. It may also be an inner conflict with one character, or may be a conflict between a character and the setting, such as a person struggling in a hostile wilderness.

You will need to read the following excerpts and passages to answer the quiz questions:

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excerpt from The Verge.pdf

The Bird's Three Proverbs.pdf

The Great Search for the Blue-Tufted Finch.pdf

Understanding Plot quiz