This document outlines the key elements of plot in narrative texts, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It also discusses the four main types of conflict: man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, and man vs. self. Finally, it covers literary techniques authors use to develop plot such as foreshadowing, suspense, and different forms of irony.

1. Elements of Plot
in Narrative Texts
Narrative Texts
What elements make up the plot?
What patterns do narrative texts follow?

2. Plot: The sequence of events in a story--
beginning, middle and end.
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Often Represented by the Plot Diagram:

3. Plot Line:
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
★ Exposition: Background information at the beginning of the story; the
setting and characters are established.
★ Conflict: The protagonist meets the antagonist, and their struggle becomes
apparent.
★ Rising action: A series of events and complications build on characterization
and conflict, and foreshadowing, suspense, irony, and literary devices get involved.
★ Climax: The solution to the conflict is decided. This is the turning point--and
often most emotional part--of the story. The event may be either an action or
mental decision that the protagonist makes.
★ Falling action: The events resulting from the climax.
★ Resolution: Minor conflicts are wrapped up and there is an indication of
closure or continuance of life for the characters.

4. Conflict: The problem in the story that
the protagonist faces.
There are 4 kinds of conflict:
★ Man vs. Man: The main character is in conflict with another
character, human or not human.
★ Man vs. Nature: The main character is in conflict with the forces of
nature, which serve as the antagonist.
★ Man vs. Society: The main character is in conflict with a larger
man-made source or group: society, culture, religion, peers, school,
etc.
★ Man vs. Self: The main character experiences some kind of inner
conflict like a making a difficult decision or dealing with a personal
problem.

5. Techniques of Plot
A few techniques that authors often use:
★ Foreshadowing: hints or clues that suggest what will happen
later in the story.
★ Suspense: Suspense makes the reader ask, "What will happen
next?" It makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about
the outcome of events.
★ Irony: Generally, irony defies the reader’s expectations.
Verbal Irony: sarcasm; saying the opposite of what is literally meant
Situational Irony: the situation is the opposite of what is expected or
logical; a “twist” in the story
Dramatic Irony: the audience knows something
that the characters do not know
Special...

6. Techniques of Plot
A few techniques that authors often use:
★ Foreshadowing: hints or clues that suggest what will happen
later in the story.
★ Suspense: Suspense makes the reader ask, "What will happen
next?" It makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about
the outcome of events.
★ Irony: Generally, irony defies the reader’s expectations.
Verbal Irony: sarcasm; saying the opposite of what is literally meant
Situational Irony: the situation is the opposite of what is expected or
logical; a “twist” in the story
Dramatic Irony: the audience knows something
that the characters do not know
Special...