Understanding Elements of Plot

Front

Exposition

Back

Introduction of setting, characters, and basic situation

Front

Rising Action

Back

Series of events building tension and leading to climax

Front

Climax

Back

Turning point; highest tension or conflict

Front

Falling Action

Back

Events following climax leading to resolution

Front

Resolution

Back

Conclusion; conflict resolved

Front

Conflict

Back

Struggle between opposing forces

Front

Internal Conflict

Back

Struggle within a character (e.g., decision, emotion)

Front

External Conflict

Back

Struggle between a character and an outside force

Front

Protagonist

Back

Main character; central to the story

Front

Antagonist

Back

Opposes the protagonist; source of conflict