The rising action includes the events in which the character attempts to solve the primary conflict of the story. The rising action of the story consists of all of the events that lead to the eventual climax of the story. Both the Exposition and the Conflict are considered part of the Beginning of the story. In a common story structure, the conflict is usually revealed as a problem the main character must solve or an obstacle they need to overcome in order to reach their goal. The conflict may also be called the inciting incident and it is the principal goal for the protagonist or main character to achieve. The plot diagram conflict is the primary problem that drives the story. The exposition shows how this introduction 'sets the stage' and gives the reader the story idea. In a good story, the exposition generally includes introducing the reader to the main and supporting characters as well as where and when the story takes place. In many stories, this is where the author exposes the reader to the important elements of the 'set up' or background of the story such as the major characters' names, setting, and mood. The exposition of the literary plot diagram is the introduction to a story. The 6 elements of a plot diagram or traditional story arc are: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.Įlements of Plot Structure Diagrams Explained: Exposition What are the Six Elements of a Plot Diagram? The plot diagram picture examples below are completed story maps from the award-winning novels, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.Įach novel is the perfect plot diagram example story, and follows the basic structure of a story arc.

However, these concepts can also be used outside of the classroom! They not only give students a fuller understanding of classroom texts, but their favorite books and movies as well. Students are sure to use the skills they learn throughout elementary, middle and high school. Lessons emphasizing these skills meet many Common Core Standards for English Language Arts ( CCSS.ELA-Literacy) and are referenced in all grade levels. They challenge students to create the story arc in order of events, and to pick out and include only the most important key elements to create a concise, organized summary, which is a skill they will use throughout their life! Whatever you call it, it is an excellent tool to allow students to pick out major themes in the text, to trace character development with a character arc over the course of the narrative, and for students to hone their analytical skills. They may also be referred to as story charts, story arcs, story plot line, plot graphs or charts, story mountains, or plot mountain diagrams. Narrative arc diagrams, story arcs, or Plot Diagrams are essential tools for students to improve reading comprehension, build literary connections, and increase their appreciation of literature! Plot diagrams are called by many names. When diagramming the plot line, or the story arc, of a story, generally it is broken down into three segments: beginning, middle, and end that include six main parts or 'The Six Parts of a Story': Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution. To put it simply, this visual triangle (as shown in the above image) is an easy way for students to remember the way a story's events unfold.

Simply stated, it is a way of tracking the important events in a story.įormally, it is a linear graphic representation of the narrative arc of a story that demonstrates the important elements occurring from beginning to end.

Macspice cannot see the plot lines