Plot is the series of related events that make up the story. Most plots go this way:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Plot for
The introduction tells who the main characters are and what the main conflict is.
Complications develop as characters do things to try to solve the conflict.
In the climax, the main characters make a final decision that solves the conflict.
The story ends with a resolution: the writer tells what the main characters feel or do
now that the conflict is settled
Frozen
Anna, a fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey - teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff
and his loyal reindeer Sven - to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of
Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious
snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom…
- Written by DeAlan Wilson for ComedyE.com
Photo courtesy of Disney Studios
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale
The introduction is the beginning of the story. It starts the plot moving by grabbing the reader’s
attention. An introduction can name the main character, describe a setting and perhaps even the
conflict. Example:
A long time ago a girl named Cinderella sat by the fireside. She was a sweet girl and hard
worker, but her sisters and stepmother treated her badly.
Photo courtesy of Disney Studios
Complications develop as characters do things to try to solve the conflict.
The conflict is the major struggle between characters or between opposing forces.
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale
A conflict may be external or internal. Some stories have both kinds of conflict.
External conflict: The main character struggles with another person or with an outside force, like
the sea.
Internal Conflict: The main character struggles with opposing ideas or feelings within his or her own
mind, like wanting to make friends at a new school but also being very shy.
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale
Climax is the exciting point in the story where the main character or characters face and make a
huge decision. For readers, the climax is usually the most suspenseful part of the story. It’s the
point where the conflict will finally be settled. The climax occurs toward the end of the story.
In the Movie
Frozen:
In the movie’s big climax, Kristoff races back toward Arrendelle to rescue Anna from a
curse that will freeze her unless an act of true love is performed. Anna sees Kristoff from
across the ice, hesitates, and chooses to help her sister instead. The love between Anna and
Elsa is what Frozen wants its audience to recognize as “true love” —not whatever a princess
and some guy she just met share.
Photo courtesy of Disney Studios
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale
The resolution occurs at the end of the story. Often, it includes how the main characters feels
about experiences faced in the story.
Example: In the Movie Frozen we find the resolution occurs as a troll warns Kristoff, only an act
of love can thaw Anna's frozen heart. - Written by DeAlan Wilson for ComedyE.com
Photo courtesy of Disney Studios
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale