Elements of a Story

Front

Plot

Back

Series of events in a story

Front

Exposition

Back

The introduction of the characters, setting, and basic situation; occurs at the beginning of the story.

Front

Inciting incident

Back

Event that 'kick starts' the series of events in a story.

Front

Rising action

Back

Series of events that begins with the inciting incident and leads to the climax.

Front

Climax

Back

The most intense, exciting, or important point of the story; the turning point.

Front

Falling action

Back

Events after the climax, leading to the resolution.

Front

Denouement

Back

Means 'untie'; resolves any conflicts of a story.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place of a story.

Front

Conflict

Back

A struggle between forces, can be one of various types.

Front

Suspense

Back

A feeling of uncertainty and curiosity about what will happen next in a story.