The document provides information about key elements of plot structure in stories, including conflict, plot structure, and foreshadowing. It notes that conflict can be external between opposing forces or internal within a character. Plot structure typically involves an exposition setting up characters and situations, followed by complications from conflicting events, building to a climax revealing the outcome, and ending with a resolution. An example is given of a character wanting to attend university but facing complications with relationships and choices.

1. o t
P l What Is Plot?
Conflict
Feature Plot Structure
Foreshadowing
Menu Practice

2. What Is Plot?
Plot is the series of related
events that make up a story
or drama.
• Like links in a chain, each
event hooks our curiosity
and pulls us forward to the
next event.
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3. Conflict
Conflict is the struggle or clash
between opposing characters or
forces. Conflicts may be
external:
firefighter vs. fire
or
internal:
firefighter vs. his or her fear

4. Conflict
An external conflict may be a struggle between
• two characters
• a character and a group
• a character and
something nonhuman

5. Conflict
An internal conflict is a struggle that takes place
within a character’s mind or heart.
• Characters struggle with
themselves to make decisions.

6. Conflict
Quick Check
Rainsford knew he could do one of two Is this an
things. He could stay where he was external or
and wait. That was suicide. He could internal conflict?
flee. That was postponing the
inevitable. For a moment he stood
there, thinking. An idea that held a
wild chance came to him, and,
tightening his belt, he headed away
from the swamp.
from “The Most Dangerous Game” by
Richard Connell
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7. Conflict
Quick Check
Rainsford knew he could do one of two Is this an
things. He could stay where he was external or
and wait. That was suicide. He could internal conflict?
flee. That was postponing the
inevitable. For a moment he stood Internal conflict
there, thinking. An idea that held a
wild chance came to him, and,
tightening his belt, he headed away
from the swamp.
from “The Most Dangerous Game” by
Richard Connell

8. Plot Structure
Plots are usually built in four major parts.
Climax
Conflicting
X
Events/Complications
X Resolution
XX
X
Basic Situation/Exposition
Setting: Where and When

9. Plot Structure
1 Basic situation, or exposition
• opening of the story
• characters and their conflicts are introduced
Paul wants to go to an out-of-state
university, but his family can only afford to
pay the tuition at a local college.

10. Plot Structure
2 Conflicting Events/Complication
• The main character takes action but encounters
more problems or complications.
Paul goes to work on a nearby
farm to earn extra money.
There, he meets Miranda, and
the two start dating.

11. Plot Structure
3 Climax
• key scene in the story—the most tense,
exciting, or terrifying moment
• reveals the outcome of the conflict
Paul and Miranda argue about
his leaving for university. Paul
must choose to stay or go.

12. Plot Structure
4 Resolution, or denouement
• final part of the story
• the conflict is resolved
Paul decides to leave for university.
Miranda makes plans to visit him
and wishes him well.
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