Plot StructureAn Introduction to Analyzing Plot Elements

Writer’s Notebook Prompt

Plot Structure PyramidI am going to describe each of these stages of plot structure using Monsters Inc.!

ExpositionSets the scene Introduces charactersEstablishes point of viewThere is no story. . .yet

Exposition in Monsters Inc.

We meet Mike and Sulley, the two main characters of the filmWe learn a little bit about Monstropolis, the town that they live in We also get an idea of a regular work day for them; they scare kids and use screams to provide energy for the city

Inciting IncidentThe story really starts when problems ariseThe point where the conflict is introducedSomething that complicates the protagonist’s (main character’s) life

Inciting Incident in Monsters Inc.

The conflict begins when Sulley accidentally brings a two-year-old girl, “Boo,” into MonstropolisThis is marks the beginning of all of their problems and this is therefore the inciting incident

Rising ActionThe story buildsMain characters are the focusCharacters get deeper into troubleMany small challenges leading to the bigger goal

Rising Action in Monsters Inc.Randall, the villain is introduced

Mike and Sulley work together to try and find Boo’s door so that they can send her home without having her noticedThey dress her up in a cute, little monster costume and take her into where they work!Sulley starts to get really attached to Boo

ClimaxThe moment of greatest tensionThe point to which all events have led- “the show stopper”

Climax in Monsters Inc.Mike and Sulley find out that Randall is not only a mean monster, but is conspiring to hurt children as wellMike and Sulley learn that Randall and the boss of the company have developed a way to get more energy per kid using a harmful machineWhen Mike and Sulley find out, they are banished to the North Pole by the boss of the companyMike gets mad at Sulley

Falling ActionEvents that are the result of the climaxThe story nears its endAnswers the question: What happens after the climax?

Falling Action in Monsters Inc.

Mike and Sulley become friends again They meet the Abominable Snowman and find out how to get back to Monstropolis to help save Boo

ResolutionThe protagonist solves the problemCharacters usually change because of what has happened previously

Resolution in Monsters Inc.Mike and Sulley find Boo

and defeat RandallMike and Sulley also trick their boss into admitting that he was behind this conspiracy in front of the whole companyBoo gets sent homeMike and Sulley make the discovery that children’s laughter is more powerful than their screams, which resolves the energy issue

Now it’s your turn!You may work with a partner if you want (NO groups of three)Choose one of your favorite books or movies (cannot be Monsters Inc.)You will be creating a storyboard, identifying each of the elements of plot structure that we have discussedAlong with a rough sketch, you must provide a description of each plot point