Plot PatternThe sequence of events in a storyParts:

ExpositionRising ActionClimaxResolution

ExpositionIntroduces some of the characters in

the storyEstablishes the setting (when &

where) of the story

Exposition(establish settingand characters)

Rising ActionA series of complications that lead to

the highest point of “action”Characters are more fully developed, or

not, based on their involvement in the complications

The main conflict unfolds ( ____ vs. ____ )

Exposition(establish settingand characters)

Rising A

ction

(Complic

ations)

ClimaxThe highest point of “action” in the

storyThe conflict is resolved: win/win,

win/lose, or lose/lose

Exposition(establish settingand characters)

Rising A

ction

(Complic

ations)

Climax(Conflict Solved)

ResolutionThe ending of the storySometimes answers questions &

wraps up loose ends, but can do just the opposite by further confusing the situation or presenting another complication

Exposition(establish settingand characters)

Rising A

ction

(Complic

ations)

Climax(Conflict Solved)

Resolution(Ending)

CharactersMain (only one)Minor (few or many)

• Full (developed with details)

• Flat (few details/info)

CAN BE EITHER…

Literary Devices

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues of what is to come later in the story

IronyA word or phrase that means the exact opposite

of its normal or expected meaningDramatic Irony – when the reader/audience

sees a character’s mistakes or misunderstandings, but the character does not

Verbal Irony – when the writer or character says one thing but unknowingly means another (not sarcasm)

Situational Irony – when there is a great difference between the purpose of a particular action and the result

Moral / Aphorism

Moral = the particular value or lesson the author is trying to get across to the reader

Aphorism = a short statement expressing a general truth or principleEx: “The rotten apple spoils his companions.” Benjamin Franklin

Figure of SpeechAn interesting or creative comparison used to

create a special effect or feeling

AntithesisUsing opposite ideas to emphasize a pointExample:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

ExaggerationAn overstatement or stretching of the truth to

emphasize a pointExample:

“I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”

UnderstatementUsing language that is more calm then the

situation calls for; to minimize a thing or situation; the opposite of exaggeration

Example:“I’m having a bad day.” (action genre)

SimileA comparison between two things using the

words like or asExample:

“Brian runs like a deer.”

MetaphorA comparison between two things in which

the two things are said to be the same thing; no use of the words like or as

Example:“Brian is a deer.”

PersonificationA nonhuman thing is given human

characteristics; the thing is like a person Example:

“The stubborn rock refused to budge.”

DialogueUse quotation marks to indicate that a

character is speaking.Use a comma to separate the narration and the

quote.The dialogue can be at the beginning, in the

middle, or at the end of the sentence.Example:1.“I have the answer,” remarked Jillian.2.Jillian remarked, “I have the answer.”3.“I have,” remarked Jillian, “the answer.”• Start a new paragraph every time a different

character speaks.