AP Notes 159

Question 1

Terms Associated with Plot:

Answer 1

➢ Exposition: introduces the characters and the conflicts they face.
➢ Inciting incident: occurs after the exposition and introduces the central conflict in the
story.
➢ Rising action: following the introduction of the central conflict; complications arise as
the Conflict: Characters struggle with the people or situations
➢ Climax: the turning point, point of maximum interest, and highest tension in the plot of
a story, play, or film. The climax usually occurs towards the end of story after the reader
has understood the conflict and become emotionally involved with the characters. At
the climax, the conflict is resolved, and the outcome of the plot becomes
clear.
➢ Falling Action: the end of the central conflict in a story, when the action starts to wind
down.
➢ Resolution and Denouement: occurs after the climax and is where conflicts are
resolved and loose ends are tied up.
➢ Subplot: an additional minor plot that involves a secondary conflict in the story; the
subplot may or may not affect the main plot.