Plot Examples

Plot refers to the storyline of the text. The plot is the sequence of events in the story or drama. There are several elements that are common to all plots:

The introduction, or exposition, is the beginning of the story where the characters and the conflict are introduced.

Rising action refers to the events that occur in the story to advance the conflict and bring the conflict to a crucial point.

The climax is the high point of the story-where the characters face a decision or event that will resolve the conflict in one way or another.

Falling action refers to the solving of problems and the wrapping up of the story.

The conclusion is the final resolution-either good or bad-of the conflict and the end of thee story.

1. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and her sisters are young, unmarried, poor women in England. An eligible bachelor moves into the neighborhood and falls for Elizabeth's sister Jane. His friend Mr. Darcy also falls for Elizabeth, but he fights against it and wounds her pride. The conflict is resolved when Elizabeth realizes her true feelings and agrees to marry Mr. Darcy.

2. In The Hunger Games, Katniss must represent her district in the games after she takes the place of her younger sister. She and the boy representative from her district, Peeta, must fight young representatives from other districts. The conflict is finally resolved when, in a climactic moment, Katniss and Peeta decide to kill themselves rather than kill each other. Those behind the games halt the games and declare them both the winners.

3. In Charlotte's Web, Wilbur is saved from death by Fern, but then he is sent to live at her uncle's farm, where the plan is that he will one day be butchered. Charlotte, a spider, helps to save Wilbur's life by writing words about him in her web. He wins the county fair and is saved, but Charlotte passes away.