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Short Story Techniques - Plot
2
Short Story Techniques
PLOT
Recap
Last lesson we looked at:
- The difference between _______ and ____-_______ literature
- Learnt key terms such as protagonist and _________
- Brainstormed the different types of narratives
- Created a mind map about what is important to write an entertaining story
Objectives
By the end of today you will be able to:
1. Define what we mean by 'plot'
2. Identify the key moments in a plot
3. Recognise and use key terms relating to plot
Activity
You have TWO minutes to explain an episode of something you watched on TV this week to your partner
Types of Plot
Stories can be about anything. They can have different characters, different settings, different themes.
However, there are 7 consistent plot types that are 'virtually impossible for any storyteller ever to break away from' (Booker 2004).
Overcoming the Monster
- There is an evil force (villain) who threatens our hero/their world/mankind
- The hero must defeat the villain in order to bring the world back to order
Overcoming the Monster
Rags to Riches
Rags to Riches
- Follows a disadvantaged character (poor, mistreated) who has the potential for greatness.
- Throughout the story the character manages to fulfill their potential and become someone of wealthy/important/successful/educated and happy.
- At the conclusion they finally achieve the happy life they have always deserved
The Quest
The Quest
- A narrative that invovles a hero who embarks on a physical journey.
- The hero must accomplish a specific task (often far away).
- This journey is often shared with the hero's closest friends.
- Along the way, the hero and their friends face challenges together, but the hero must complete the final stage of the quest alone.
Voyage and Return
- The hero travels to an unfamiliar place where they must overcome a series of challenges.
- The hero then returns home with wisdom and experience that help them live a happier life.
- They often share this newly found wisdom with their friends and family.
Voyage and Return
Rebirth
Tragedy
Comedy
Rising Action
What is a Plot?
A series of events that build an interest and suspense by developing a crisis or conflict.
This involves an inciting incident which is an event that thrusts the protagonist into the main action of the story.
Climax
Exposition
Falling Actions
The turning point of the story where the conflict or problem reaches its peak.
The climax changes the direction of the plot.
The event(s) after the climax that ultimately lead to the resolution.
The first part of a story. This part provides background information about the characters and the setting.
Plot is the series of events that make up a story.
It tells us what happens, how the events are connected to one another and why the story unfolded in the way that it did.
A plot is made up of 6 key components.
A plot normally follows a narrative arc (structure).
Resolution
The conclusion to the narrative that reveals the resolution to the conflict.
Narrative Arc
Activity
Task
On your worksheet take note of key moments in the video. Which part of the plot might that moment apply to? (exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
Key Questions
1. What do we learn in the exposition of the story?
2. What is the inciting incident in this video?
3. What events are included in the rising action of the story?
4. What is the climax of the story?
5. What events are included in the falling action of the story?