The document defines the key components of plot structure and conflict in stories. It explains that a plot includes exposition, characters, setting, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It also defines the main character (protagonist) and opposing character (antagonist). Conflict is central to the plot and can be interpersonal or internal.

1. Tools for Analyzing Text
Plot Structure
And
Conflict

2. Plot Structure Components
• Exposition – Sets the mood & conditions
existing at the beginning of a story
• Includes two important story elements:
 Characters – the people who experience the
events of the plot
 Setting – tells the reader WHEN & WHERE
a story takes place.

3. Characters
• The people involved in a story
– Protagonist:
• the main character of a story
• The character who experiences the main conflict in
a story
– Antagonist:
• The character who opposes the protagonist.
• May work against the main character.

4. Setting
• The place where a story occurs
• Setting can be:
The geographical location (ex. Raleigh, NC)
The time period (between 2000 & 2010)
The socio-economic characteristics of the
location (ex. Campus of NC State Un.)
The specific building, room, etc. (ex. The
Student Union)

5. Rising Action
• Introduces the conflict or problem in a
story.
• Includes the series of events, conflicts, and
crises in the story that leads up to the
climax.
• Provides progressive intensity in a story.

6. Climax
• The high point of a story where the conflict
changes or is resolved.
• The “Turning Point” in a story.
• A crucial event that takes place & from the
climax forward, the protagonist moves
toward his/her inevitable end.

7. Falling Action
• All action events that follow the climax
(high point) in a story.
• The main character (Protagonist) may still
more conflicts in this part of a story.
• Events in this part do not really change
how the story will inevitably end.

8. Resolution
• How the story conflict is settled.
• Where loose ends are tied up.
• The hero (main character) either emerges
triumphant or is defeated.

9. Conflict
• The problem in a story.
• The struggle between two forces in a story.
• Conflict leads through a story to the
climax.
• Conflict can be:
– Interpersonal Conflict – Human vs. Human,
Human vs. Nature, or Human vs. Society.
– Internal Conflict – Human vs. Self.

10. Conflict
• The problem in a story.
• The struggle between two forces in a story.
• Conflict leads through a story to the
climax.
• Conflict can be:
– Interpersonal Conflict – Human vs. Human,
Human vs. Nature, or Human vs. Society.
– Internal Conflict – Human vs. Self.