Identifying the 
Elements of A 
Plot Diagram 
Student Notes
Plot Diagram 
2 
1 
3 
4 
5
Plot (definition) 
• Plot is the organized 
pattern or sequence 
of events that make 
up a story. Every 
plot is made up of a 
series of incidents 
that are related to 
one another.
1. Exposition 
• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short 
story. Here the characters are introduced. We also 
learn about the setting of the story. Most 
importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict 
(main problem).
2. Rising Action 
• This part of the story begins to 
develop the conflict(s). A building 
of interest or suspense occurs.
3. Climax 
• This is the turning point of the story. 
This is the event that determines the 
outcome of the story.
4. Falling Action 
• All loose ends 
of the plot are 
tied up. The 
conflict(s) and 
climax are 
taken care of.
5. Resolution 
• The story 
comes to a 
reasonable 
ending.
Putting It All Together 
1. Exposition 
2. Rising Action 
3. Climax 
4. Falling Action 
5. Resolution 
Beginning of 
Story 
Middle of Story 
End of Story
Putting It All Together 
1. Exposition 
2. Rising Action 
3. Climax 
4. Falling Action 
5. Resolution 
Beginning of 
Story 
Middle of Story 
End of Story

Elements of a plot diagram

  • 1.
    Identifying the Elementsof A Plot Diagram Student Notes
  • 2.
  • 3.
    Plot (definition) •Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.
  • 4.
    1. Exposition •This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).
  • 5.
    2. Rising Action • This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.
  • 6.
    3. Climax •This is the turning point of the story. This is the event that determines the outcome of the story.
  • 7.
    4. Falling Action • All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.
  • 8.
    5. Resolution •The story comes to a reasonable ending.
  • 9.
    Putting It AllTogether 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story
  • 10.
    Putting It AllTogether 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story