Story Plot Arc: 'Found in Mail Room'

Front

Exposition

Back

Herman is a postal worker in a small town. He worries that his job is boring and unimportant.

Front

Rising Action

Back

While moving an old cabinet in the mail room, Herman discovers a 1955 postcard that was never delivered, addressed to a cranky woman named Marie Brown. It contains a mysterious message: 'I left for me. I love you both.' Herman decides to deliver the postcard to Marie personally.

Front

Climax

Back

Herman summons his courage to deliver the card. Marie is shocked and takes the postcard inside, leaving Herman more confused than ever.

Front

Falling Action

Back

The next day, Marie invites Herman to sit with her, and she explains that many years ago, Marie had thought she had driven her best friend Lacy away. The postcard suggests that Lacy left for greater opportunities, not out of anger at Marie. Marie tells Herman that she feels no need to try to find Lacy, but the card has brought her peace of mind.

Front

Resolution

Back

The story ends with Marie becoming friendly toward Herman. More importantly, he realizes that his job is meaningful and important because it connects people with each other.

Front

EXPOSITION

Back

Introduces the characters, describes the setting, and establishes the problem in the story.

Front

RISING ACTION

Back

Suspense builds, and the problem becomes more complicated; there are often multiple steps or parts in the rising act

Front

Climax

Back

The turning point in the story; it is typically the most exciting part in the story.

Front

Falling ACTION

Back

The events that happen after the climax that lead to a resolution or the ending of the story

Front

Resolution

Back

The outcome of the story; it is how things end up or turn out for the characters.