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1. What is Plot
Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows the a
causal arrangement of events and actions within a story.
• Chronological
• Flashback
• Time Lapse
2. Kinds of Plot
a. Pyramid Plot Structure
The most basic and traditional form of plot is pyramid-shaped. This structure has
been described in more detail by Aristotle and by Gustav Freytag.
b. Aristotle’s Unified Plot
The basic triangle-shaped plot structure was described by Aristotle in 350 BCE.
Aristotle used the beginning, middle, and end structure to describe a story that moved
along a linear path, following a chain of cause and effect as it works toward the
solution of a conflict or crisis.
c. Freytag’s Plot Structure
Freytag modified Aristotle’s system by adding a rising action (or complication)
and a falling action to the structure. Freytag used the five-part design shown above to
describe a story’s plot.
4. A. Plot Components
There are some plot components, namely :
Climax : the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action
Rising Action : the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax
Exposition : the start of the story, the situation before the action starts
• I. Exposition
• II. Conflict
Event 1
Event 2
Event 3
• IV. Climax
• V. Falling Action
Necessary explanation?
• VI. Resolution
A sense of completion?
5. Conflict
Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict,
there is no plot.
6. Types of Conflict
There are two kinds of conflict namely, interpersonal conflict and internal conflict :
A. Interpersonal Conflict
Human vs Human
` This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with another character,
human or not human.
Human vs Nature
This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with the forces of nature,
which serve as the antagonist.
Human vs Society
This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a
community, society, culture, etc.
B. Internal Conflict
Human vs Self
In this type of conflict, the main character experiences some kind of inner
conflict.