This document discusses key elements of plot structure in literature including rising action, conflict, and resolution. It provides examples of how these elements are used in various short stories. Rising action builds up the story and involves choices or actions by the protagonist. Conflict can be internal or external and involve struggles against oneself or other forces. The resolution culminates the central conflict and results in some change for the protagonist. Different plot structures are also addressed, including linear, in medias res, and flashback formats.

1. Analyzing Plot Structures Intro to Literature Mr. Suchecki

2. Rising ACTION Builds up the story Leads to the climax Involves the protagonist making a choice Or protagonist performing an action

3. Rising Action Rising Action in “A Rose for Emily” What do you think is the rising action? The smell coming from her house The townspeople finding Homer Rising Action in “Killings” Rising Action? When Matt comes up to Richard and gets in his car

4. RISING action Rising Action in “Bartleby” When the lawyer moves In “The Lady With A Pet Dog” Start dating at the hotel When he visits her at the theater

5. Conflict Types of Conflict: Individual vs. Self Individual vs. Nature Individual vs. Others Individual vs. Society Individual vs. Technology Need to find specific conflict in the narrative

6. CONFLICT Two types of conflict with the Protagonist External – Places protagonist against self, others, etc. Internal – Moral or psychological issue resolved by protagonist

7. Conflict in lit Type of Conflict Individual vs. Self Internal What is the specific conflict? Emily’s need for love forces her to kill

8. CONFLICT IN LIT Conflict in “Killings” Matt’s struggle can be characterized as; Individual vs. Other External Specific Conflict; Matt is looking for closure for Frank

9. Resolution Culminates Central Conflict Usually near end of the story Involves Protagonist making a change

10. Resolution Resolution in Tarzan Central Conflict between Tarzan and Terkoz Resolution comes when Tarzan kills Terkoz

11. Resolution Resolution in Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes Frank gets to America Deals with Frank moving around

12. Resolution Resolution in “Killings” Deals with Protagonist Matt Resolution comes when Matt kills Richard

13. PLOT One of three Plot Structures Linear/Chronological In Medias Res (from the middle) Flash Back

14. Flash Back Common plot structure in Literature Jumps back to previous events throughout the novel

15. PLOT STRUCTUTRE “A Rose for Emily” What structure is it? Why is it a Flash Back? Why Not In Medias Res?

16. Citation Falashad, Close Quarters, September 5, 2008, Creative Commons Robertnelson, Handgun, March 29, 2007, Creative Commons