M R S . E S T E R L I N EP L M S

CONFLICT & PLOT

CONFLICTTHE STRUGGLE BETWEEN OPPOSING FORCES

TYPES OF CONFLICT

• Internal: A struggle within a character, typically in one’s heart or mind; Internal conflicts often deal with thoughts, feelings, and emotions

• External: A character struggles with another person or some form of outside force, such as nature

• Central: The main conflict a character experiences in which a story’s plot is centered around

PLOTT H E S E Q U E N C E O F R E L AT E D E V E N T S T H AT M A K E U P A S T O RY

STAGES OF PLOT

1. Exposition: the fist stage of the plot that identifies the main characters, establishes the setting (time, place & culture), and sets the tone (author’s attitude towards the main characters)

2. Rising Action: Complications arise as the main character struggles with the main conflict

3. Climax: The turning point, or highest point of action

4. Falling Action: The main conflict is resolved resulting in the theme (the moral or life lesson)being identified and all loose ends tied up