Plot Elements

Publisher: Harper Collins

First Publication Date:

October 15, 1952

Exposition (beginning)

Expository

• setting

• character/s

• climate/situations

Exposition of Charlotte’s Web

On the Avery farm, Wilbur is the runt of the litter, but Fern thinks he's still an awesome pig so she saves his life. The Zuckermans think Wilbur is pretty swell too, so they buy the little guy and take care of him. For this pig, life is looking good.

Conflict

Protagonist vs. Antagonist Wilbur vs. Mr. Zuckerman

Conflict Mr. Zuckerman plans on killing Wilbur. How will Wilbur survive?

Rising Action

Actions or events that create suspense or complications!

Event 1

Event 2

Event 3

Event 4

Rising Action • Event 1 – Charlotte, Wilbur’s spider friend, comes up with a plan to

save him. She builds a web that says, “Some Pig.” Many people came to see and the pig became famous.

• Event 2 – Wilbur became concerned that Mr. Zuckerman would still want to kill him. Charlotte, along with the other barn animals came up with the word “terrific” to describe Wilbur. She built another web that said “terrific” and visitors came again. People were amazed with the miracle. After awhile Wilbur and Charlotte overheard Mr. Zuckerman talk about killing Wilbur come fall.

• Event 3 – Wilbur was scared but Charlotte built another web with the word “radiant” over the barn door. Visitors returned and were still amazed. Mr. Zuckerman was finally convinced that Wilbur was “Some Pig” and decided to show him at the county fair. Charlotte and Wilbur knew that he had to win to live.

• Event 4 - Charlotte visited the pig next to Wilbur and realized that it was going to be a challenge for Wilbur to win. He was a lot bigger than Wilbur. She built her last web. It said, “Humble.” Again, attention was drawn to Wilbur, but the pig in the next stall had already won first place.

Climax The climax is the major turning point in the plot the

effects the protagonist.

The Zuckermans and Wilbur were escorted to the grandstand of the county fair by the band. The master of ceremonies recognized Zuckermans’ Famous Pig. They were given $25, and Wilbur was given a bronze medal.

Falling Action

The falling action is the point in the plot where the conflict is solved.

Mr. Zuckerman announces that he will be keeping Wilbur around the farm for the rest of his life.

Resolution

The resolution is the end of the story. It is a calm scene.

resolution Wilbur lost his dear friend Charlotte but was able to save her egg sac. At the end of the story, three of her children stayed to be friends with him at the Zuckerman farm.

Theme The theme is the life lesson or moral of the story.

True friends do all that they can to help each other. They both benefit from their relationship.