Identify the Elements of a Story Plot

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Have you ever been engrossed in a movie but need to use the bathroom? What do you do? When is the best time to go and not miss anything important: the beginning, the part when all the action is happening, or the resolution at the end?

All story elements are essential to a movie, but for most people, getting interrupted in the middle of all the action is the worst!

The part of the movie when all the action is coming to a peak is the story's climax.

When creating a story for a movie or a book, an author follows a specific outline or story path called a plot. The plot usually consists of five elements.

• Can you guess what they are?

As you watch the video below, write down the plot elements you hear and their definitions.

Now, review what elements were presented in the video.

• Which story element describes the characters and setting and creates a hook for the reader?

Yes, the exposition.

• What plot element comes next once the reader is introduced to the book?

Correct, the rising action.

• You see the conflict during the rising action, and what is at the very peak of the story?

The climax, correct?

• What two plot elements come after the climax?

The falling action and the resolution to end the story.

The elements of a plot can be seen as a mountain, like in the diagram below.

Watch the following video for an excellent review of the story elements.

Now that you have been introduced to the five plot elements, move to the Got It? section to practice!