Story Elements, Conflict, and Character

Front

Characters, setting, and background information are introduced.

Back

Exposition

Front

The event that starts the main conflict and sets the story in motion

Back

Inciting Incident

Front

A series of events that build tension and make the conflict more interesting and complicated

Back

Rising Action

Front

The events that happen after the climax, leading toward the story's end and starting to resolve the conflict

Back

Falling Action

Front

The ending of the story where the conflict is solved and loose ends are tied up

Back

Resolution

Front

The sequence of events or the main storyline in a story

Back

Plot

Front

The problem or challenge that the characters must face and overcome

Back

Conflict

Front

The main message that the story teaches

Back

Theme

Front

Internal Conflict - takes place within the mind or body of a character

Back

Character vs. Self

Front

External Conflict - the protagonist directly works against another character (the antagonist) with apparently opposing aims

Back

Character vs. Character