Plot Lines

You’ve probably heard someone say, “That movie had a good plot,” or “I loved the plot of that book.” Short stories, novels, musicals, and oral stories all have plot lines.

What is a plot line? Plot line is a literary term referring to the sequence of events in a story. It is the structure of the story. Most stories have five elements:

1. The exposition. The exposition gives the reader background information about the story, such as the setting and the main characters. It sets the tone, and lets the reader know what type of story to expect. While reading the exposition, the reader can generally tell whether this is going to be a funny story, a historical story, a Western, a fantasy story, or another type.

2. The rising action. This part of the story often shows the main character involved in a struggle of some sort. He or she experiences problems and complications.

3. The climax. The climax (or crisis) is often short, but it is the most exciting part. The main character’s struggles come to a head.

4. The falling action. The falling action occurs as a result of the climax or crisis.

5. The resolution. The resolution (or denouement) is the conclusion of the story.

It is most simple to learn about plot lines right after reading an exciting short story. A story that can be read in one sitting is ideal because the five elements can be identified right after reading the story. Practice makes identifying the elements easier.

If you as a teacher or parent need some guidance in teaching about plot lines, may I suggest the Lightning Literature series. This is a wonderful set of lesson plans published by Hewitt Homeschooling Resources, and they walk you through every step of teaching the elements of literature. Their 7th grade guide, in particular, has interesting lessons on identifying the plot line. Using the short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” by Rudyard Kipling, students are guided in finding the five elements. “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” is a good choice for this exercise because it has a strong structure with each of the five elements fully developed. The plot line is fast moving and interesting, keeping even reluctant students intrigued.