Transcript Teaching Plot Structure Through Short Stories

Plot Structure
Through Short Stories
Plot is the literary element that describes the
structure of a story. It shows the arrangement of
events and actions within a story.
Types of Typical Linear Plots
Plots can be told in
Chronological order
Flashback
In media res (in the middle of things)
when the story starts in the middle of the
action without exposition
Plot Components
Climax: the turning point, the
most intense moment—either
mentally or in action
Rising Action: the series of
conflicts and crisis in the story
that lead to the climax
Falling Action: all of the
action which follows the
climax
Exposition: the start of the
story, the situation before the
action starts
Resolution: the conclusion,
the tying together of all of
the threads
Setting
• Setting is the time
and place of the
story. Setting can
add to the overall
mood of the story,
creating a certain
emotion or
atmosphere.
Conflict
Conflict is the dramatic struggle
between two forces in a story.
Without conflict, there is no
plot.
Types of Conflict
Interpersonal Conflict
Human (man) vs
Human
Human (man) vs
Nature
Human (man) vs Society
Internal Conflict
Human (man) vs Self
Character Analysis
• Protagonist – The main character.
• Antagonist – The main character’s
opponent.
1. Flat character – limited personality traits.
2. Round character – many personality traits; a
complex character that takes a while to
understand.
3. Static character – remains the same throughout
the story, showing little changes.
4. Dynamic character – changes throughout the
story. This character can surprise the reader.
Point of View
• First Person – Story is told from the
main character’s perspective.
• Third Person Limited – Narrator is
telling a story and is removed from the
action.
• Third Person Omniscient – The all
knowing narrator that knows the inner
thoughts of all characters.
California State Standards
• Reading 3.3 – analyze interactions between main and
subordinate characters (internal & external conflicts).
• Reading 3.4 – determine character traits through narration,
dialogue, and monologue.
• Reading 3.6 – analyze and trace an author’s development of
time using foreshadowing and flashbacks.
• Reading 3.7 – identify the significance of literary devices
including symbolism and figurative language.
• Writing 2.2a – demonstrate a complete understanding of the
significant points in a literary works.
• Writing 2.2b – support important ideas and viewpoints
through accurate and detailed references to the text.