Plot Sequence

As you view this video clip, identify the setting, main characters, and basic scenario.

Now that you know the exposition of "The Brady Bunch", make a prediction. What is a conflict that might occur on this show?

In the plot, the rising action is the series of events, such as the conflicts, complications, and struggles, that lead to the climax.

1. What is Cinderella’s initial conflict?

2. How does she try to resolve it?

3. How does her effort complicate the situation even more?

When you encounter a conflict, do your responses complicate the conflict, or do they de-escalate the conflict?

Climax

HIGHEST POINT of TENSION! Three things typically happen at the climax.

Climax Activity

Watch the following video. Write the climax of that video's clip in your notes.

The climax of "The Lion King" is when Scar threw hot coals in Simba's eyes.

Falling Action

These are the events that follow the story’s climax. These events lead to the story’s resolution.

The falling action is usually short. Generally, falling action helps with closure of the story. The falling action might include

The climax in "The Wizard of Oz" is when Dorothy finally leaves Oz; however, the story isn't over RIGHT when she arrives home. There is some explaining to do. Dorothy recognizes people from Oz in real life, she recognizes it was all a dream, and the audience has a minute to unwind. This falling action allows the audience to feel some closure to the story.

Resolution

This happens at the end of the story when all conflicts have been resolved and we know what is going to happen to the characters in the story.

Plot

4:

What clues hint that this is the

highest point of the story’s action?

1. The reader is the most emotionally involved in the story. The reader might be

• happy

• sad

3. The story is at its turning point.

• excited,

A character might change after learning an important lesson. (What is another name for that important lesson?)

• or terrified.

2. The action is at its highest point.

A war or fight may be at its deadliest stage.

3:

5.

Rising Action

the trial of a villain,

or clearing after a storm

THINK ABOUT IT!

Complication

A character sometimes tries to resolve a conflict, but that action can worsen the conflict. That action complicates the conflict. Those complications are part of the rising action of the story.

6:

1:

Exposition

The exposition occurs at the beginning of the story. It exposes the following parts of the story:

• the setting (the where and when)
• the main characters (the who)
• the basic background (the what)

2:

Where and when? Who? What?

The era, time period, in which the story takes place is part of the setting. The era can affect the characters and their decisions.

The setting

is, at it most basic form, the

"where and when"

of the story.

The weather is part of the setting as well. How might extreme weather affect a character or the decisions that character makes?

What is the protagonist's background? This is often an important part of the exposition.

The neighborhood in which a character lives is part of a story's setting. This setting also affects characters and the decisions they make.

Culture is affected by where a character lives, so it is also part of the setting.

The time of day is part of the setting as well.

Harry Potter's background

Setting is important for various reasons. For example, watching a movie at home was a much bigger deal in the 1980's? How do you think the lack of convenience technology would affect a story? Name a modern movie that is set in present day that could not be set in the 1980's.

The main characters are the "who" in the story. They are usually introduced in the exposition.

Harry Potter lost both of his parents when he was a baby. Harry (the protagonist) was left with his uncaring Aunt and Uncle (the antagonists). How does his background predict what his actions will be throughout the story?

The PROTAGONIST is usually introduced in the exposition. The protagonist is central to the story because all major events have some importance to that character.

protagonist = main character = hero

BOTH THE PROTAGONIST AND ANTAGONIST ARE NECESSARY TO A STORY.

antagonist = main character = villain

The ANTAGONIST is what is in conflict with the protagonist.

Inciting Incident

an event or a point that arrives at the beginning of a story that disturbs the actions and life of a protagonist, and sets him to pursue the mission vigorously. (A.K.A.--MAIN Conflict)

Watch this clip...can you identify the Inciting Incident?

Man versus nature