Warm-up 1.2

• Using two characters, one event, and one place, and create a one-page creative short story.

Character Event Place

Little person volcano fairgrounds

principal Roller coaster ride tragedy

A Pacific Island (you choose)

Two headed stay-at home mom

Saving a dying chicken

Paris

Five Elements of A Story….

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.

Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

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 Together1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Gerald McBoingBoing

• Beyond the basic plot structure, let’s explore some symbolic elements…– Who might the character Gerald

McBoingBoing symbolize?– Who might the doctor symbolize?– Who might the parents symbolize?– What might the radio station symbolize?– What might Gerald’s noise symbolize?– Who might Silent Sam Steelheart symbolize?

Homework: creative rewrite

• Now, on the blank paper provided, create a new story in which the symbolic elements we talked about would apply to a new set of characters and new setting.

• Write the original element, and then what you’ve changed it into.

• Draw pictures of your new elements.• Create a plot chart for these new

elements.

Example…

Gerald McBB a teenager with a big nose and speech impediment

Doctor speech therapist who gives up on kid’s speech

Parents bullies in class

Radio Station an unexepected public school that has an amazing speech therapy program

The Noises the teenager’s stutters

Silent Sam Steelheart Gerald’s supportive friend

Plot Chart