(Unit 1) (Skill 3) Plot Structure

Question 1

Describe the general plot structure taught in elementary school (5)

Answer 1

Exposition (a start)
Rising action
Climax
Falling action
Resolution

Question 2

What is the problem with the plot structure taught in elementary/middle school?

Answer 2

It follows a linear structure, presuming that all stories go in a linear fashion

Question 3

State the different plot structures (5)

Answer 3

Nonlinear
In media res
Flashback
Framed narrative
Epistolary

Question 4

Describe the nonlinear plot structure

Answer 4

The points of the linear structure are jumbled/not in order (E.x. The story starts at the end instead of the beginning)

Question 5

Describe the in media res plot structure

Answer 5

Start in the middle of the action, thrusted right into the conflict/action

Question 6

Describe the flashback plot structure

Answer 6

Takes one back in time to give some background and history to allow one to understand the current story

Question 7

Describe the framed narrative plot structure

Answer 7

Often seen in a movie, where a story is being told in the story
In the end when the story being told in the story ends, the story returns to the author

Question 8

Describe the epistolary plot structure

Answer 8

The story is told through diary entries or letter that the characters might have/write

Question 9

State the key questions of plot structure (2)

Answer 9

To what degree does the plot’s ordering of events reflect a linear - or chronological - sequence?
Does the order of events reflect an alternate plot structure?

Question 10

State the key questions of function of plot structure (2)

Answer 10

How does a particular sequence of events affect the presentation and/or development of characters and conflict?
How does a particular sequence of events and the manner in which a text presents those events to a reader affect a reader’s experience with the text?