Lesson Topic 2: Plot Pyramids

The Parts of the Plot

Remember from your Novel Introduction module that the plot has several different points that can be visualized by using the plot pyramid diagram.

The Plot Pyramid: At the ground level, it starts with exposition. Then it rises to rising action, comes to a peak with the climax, then falls with falling action and ends with the resolution on the other side at ground level.

The Exposition (Introduction)

The Rising Action and Conflict

The Climax

The Falling Action

The Resolution

The author provides the building blocks of the story such as characters, setting, etc.

The rising action appears on the first side of the pyramid. The events of a story work together to create conflict, and the action "rises" from the drama that the conflicts create.

The climax represents both the height of action and the turning point where a change in the story takes place, and the conflicts can wind down.

The conflicts wind down during the stage called the falling action.

The resolution, or dénouement, forms the base on the opposite side of the pyramid. The resolution occurs when the falling action unwinds to a conclusion and all loose ends are tied. The resolution provides the conclusion to the story.

Plot Review

Use the flashcards to practice remembering the parts of the plot.

Plot Practice

Now, using what you know about plot, can you drag and drop the parts of the plot to the correct location on the plot pyramid? Then, on your own, list the events in your chosen short story that belong in each part of the plot.

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