Elements of Plot

Question 1

What is a Short Story?

Answer 1

A brief fictional narrative, usually
focuses on one character, has a limited setting and a single plot.

Question 2

What is Exposition?

Answer 2

Exposition is crucial to any story as it introduces the background
information and consists of
three main things:

• Setting
• Mood/Climate
• Characters

Question 3

What is the Inciting Incident?

Answer 3

The inciting incident is the event in a story that introduces the main conflict and propels the plot forward. It disrupts the protagonist’s normal life, and sets them on their journey.

Question 4

What is the Rising Action?

Answer 4

The rising action begins with the inciting force, or first sign of central conflict in the story.

Question 5

What is Climax?

Answer 5

The highest point of action, tension, or suspense in the story.

Question 6

What is the Falling Action?

Answer 6

The drop in action tension or suspense as the story begins to approach resolution also called the denouement.

Question 7

What is Resolution?

Answer 7

The final reconciling of the central conflict or in some cases, the lack thereof.