The document provides information about plot structures in stories. It defines plot as the sequence of events in a story and describes typical plot patterns, including an exposition to introduce characters and settings, a rising action with complicating events, a climax of high drama or tension, a falling action as conflicts are resolved, and a dénouement or conclusion. It discusses the use of chronological order, flashbacks, and foreshadowing in storytelling.

1. PLOT
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ETHAN_FROME_274.jpg

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What is the plot of
the story?
the information for
this presentation
has been adapted
from: Regula
Schmid: STORYTIME,
Lehrmittelverlag
des Kantons Zürich,
2006, Student‘s book
p. 111

3. Source: http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjgwNzg5MDAyNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzYxNDAxMw@@._V1._SX640_SY475_.jpg
What is the plot of
the story?
the information for
this presentation
has been adapted
from: Regula
Schmid: STORYTIME,
Lehrmittelverlag
des Kantons Zürich,
2006, Student‘s book
p. 111
• The plot is the sequence of
events in the order as they
are presented in the text.

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What is the plot of
the story?
the information for
this presentation
has been adapted
from: Regula
Schmid: STORYTIME,
Lehrmittelverlag
des Kantons Zürich,
2006, Student‘s book
p. 111
• The plot is the sequence of
events in the order as they
are presented in the text.
• In a general manner of
speaking, most plots consist
of some process or change.

5. Structure
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6. Source: http://www.featurepics.com/FI/Thumb/20080511/Excited-Young-Reader-723047.jpg
Structure
• The events of the plots are arranged so as to form
a particular structure. There are various possible
types of structures for plots. Good plot patterns will
awaken the reader‘s interest, create some suspense
and hold the reader‘s attention.

7. Source: http://www.scribendi.com/images/cms/2009-07/Plot_Skeleton_photo_FINALIZED.jpg

8. Source: http://www.scribendi.com/images/cms/2009-07/Plot_Skeleton_photo_FINALIZED.jpg
• The following terms are useful to recognise and
describe the structure of a novel or a short-story:

10. • A typical plot pattern begins with the exposition. This is an
introduction to the background of the story, the characters and the
setting.

11. • A typical plot pattern begins with the exposition. This is an
introduction to the background of the story, the characters and the
setting.
• The next stage is the rising action. Here a conflict between
two forces is developed. Events are further complicated until
they reach a climax, the highest point of excitement and
interest in the story. The climax is closely connected to a
turning point, the moment when events are reversed and
move into another direction

13. • The falling action leads towards the end. It often
involves some discovery or important recognition
on the part of the hero. The end is the catastrophe in
a tragedy, or the dénouement or resolution, the
moment when the conflict is solved in some
manner.

14. stop and think
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15. Frome.
• Now imagine the story Ethan
stop and think
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16. stop and think
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• Now imagine the story Ethan
Frome.
• What would the structure of
the plot be there?

17. ETHAN FROME

18. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?

19. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?

20. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?
• Rising action = ?

21. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?
• Rising action = ?
• Climax = ?

22. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?
• Rising action = ?
• Climax = ?
• Falling action = ?

23. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?
• Rising action = ?
• Climax = ?
• Falling action = ?
• Denouement = ?

24. ETHAN FROME
• What do the following parts
of the plot structure
correspond to in the novella
Ethan Frome?
• Exposition = ?
• Rising action = ?
• Climax = ?
• Falling action = ?
• Denouement = ?
• Please feel free to discuss
this with your peers.

25. order of events

26. order of events
The story may develop from start to finish in
a chronological order.

27. order of events
The story may develop from start to finish in
a chronological order.
Or there may be flashbacks, where the readers are
given details about something that happened earlier in
the story.

28. order of events
The story may develop from start to finish in
a chronological order.
Or there may be flashbacks, where the readers are
given details about something that happened earlier in
the story.
There may also be foreshadowing in the story,
meaning that the readers are given hints about what
might happen later in the story.

29. STOP AND THINK
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30. STOP AND THINK
What is the situation in Ethan
Source: http://fivealarmbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Ethan-Frome.jpg
Frome? Is the story told in a
chronological order? Why / why
not do you think?

31. STOP AND THINK
What is the situation in Ethan
Source: http://fivealarmbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Ethan-Frome.jpg
Frome? Is the story told in a
chronological order? Why / why
not do you think?
Are there any flashbacks? If so
when are they, and what is the
effect?

32. STOP AND THINK
What is the situation in Ethan
Source: http://fivealarmbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Ethan-Frome.jpg
Frome? Is the story told in a
chronological order? Why / why
not do you think?
Are there any flashbacks? If so
when are they, and what is the
effect?
Can you find any examples of
foreshadowing? What do these do
to the story?