Literary Terms with Plot Diagram

Front

Exposition

Back

The beginning of the story where characters and the setting are introduced.

Front

Setting

Back

Where the story takes place including time of year or time period.

Front

Conflict

Back

The problem or big obstacle that the MAIN character is dealing with. Introduced in the exposition.

Front

Rising action

Back

The series of main events or smaller obstacles/struggles the main character goes through while trying to solve the BIG conflict.

Front

Climax

Back

The MOST exciting part of the story when we learn the outcome. It is meant to be the moment of highest interest and emotion.

Front

Falling action

Back

Conflicts begin to resolve and the results of the main characters actions are revealed. Winding up of the story.

Front

Resolution

Back

The end of the story; It is the end of a story and ends with either a happy or a tragic ending.

Front

Plot

Back

The series of events that make up a story.

Front

Theme

Back

The lesson we learn through the characters in the book. The underlying message or big idea that the author wants the reader to learn. It is usually inferred.

Front

External Conflict

Back

A problem on the OUTSIDE that is affecting the main character. Example: another character, the weather or world event.