A plot chart will give you a better understanding of the story you are reading or writing.
A plot chart, or plot diagram, is a device used to chart the rising and falling action of a story. It can be used by readers to give them a better understanding of the story they are reading or by authors to make them aware when they should be hitting certain notes, themes or plot points in the actual story. Making a plot chart is simple once you know what you're looking for.
Instructions
1. Draw a pyramid on a sheet of paper without a bottom side, so it is only two diagonal lines reaching a point at the top. On either end of the lines, draw a straight line.
2. Find the "exposition" in the story. This is the back story of the characters that usually takes place in the first pages of the book. A summary of the exposition should be placed on the straight line to the left of the pyramid.
3. Find the "inciting incident" in the story. This is the moment that the main plotline of the story begins to develop. For example, if it is a detective novel, this is where the detective is first introduced to the crime he is investigating. Mark this moment on the corner where the straight line and the left side of the pyramid meet.
4. Find the "rising action" of the story. This is a variety of plot points throughout, to be labeled on the front (or left hand side) slope of the pyramid. The amount of plot points you want to list depends on their importance, the size of the book and the location of the climax.
5. Find the "climax" of the story. This is the moment of highest tension and plot, when most of the plot questions that have been asked so far are answered. Generally speaking, it is the moment of most excitement in the story, what it has all been building up to. Mark this moment at the top of the pyramid.
6. Find the "falling action" in the story. This is the part following the climax where the story follows the characters after the excitement. Some stories have very little falling action, while others have pages and pages. Mark the plot points of the falling action on the down (or right hand side) slope of the pyramid.
7. Find the "resolution" or "denouement" of the story. This is the final part of the story where any extra plot lines are sealed up. Sometimes, it is also a time for a character to begin their life again following the action of the story, giving the readers a sense of what is going to happen to them now. Mark the resolution on the straight line after the pyramid.
Tags: story This, action story, falling action, plot points, straight line, pyramid Find, action story This