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
Madagascar 3
Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria are still struggling to get home to New York. This time, their journey takes them to
Europe where they are relentlessly pursued by the murderous Monaco-based French Animal Control Officer Captain
Chantel Dubois. As a means of getting passage to North America, the zoo animals purchase a failing traveling circus
as they become close friends, including Gia, Vitaly, and Stefano. Together, they spectacularly revitalize the business
and along the way find themselves reconsidering where their true home really is.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Photo courtesy of DreamWorks 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:
His story begins in the Tuscany workshop of a woodworker named Geppetto. Jiminy watches as Geppetto
finishes work on a wooden marionette whom he names Pinocchio. Before falling asleep, Geppetto makes a
wish on a star that Pinocchio could be a real boy. During the night, the star, in the form of a Blue Fairy, visits
the workshop to grant Geppetto's wish. She gives Pinocchio the breath of life, although he still remains a
puppet.
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
Madagascar 3:
Meanwhile, at the zoo, Alex awakens to find that he along with Marty, Melman, and Gloria are in their enclosures,
surrounded by tall chain-link fences. Dubois steps on stage to receive a million-dollar check of appreciation from the
zoo, which she rejects, and secretly loads a poison-filled dart into a gun which she hides inside a foam finger in
preparation to publicly execute Alex. The circus animals arrive in time to stop her and a massive brawl occurs where
the circus uses all of what they had developed as part of their revamped act. As the group tries to leave, Dubois
attempts to kill Stefano, who is stranded at the zoo. However, Alex saves Stefano with a performance he describes as
the "Trapeze Americano", proving that it is real, and all the animals then defeat the Dubois, and escape.
Photo courtesy of DreamWorks 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: Heartened by this valiant demonstration of their new friends' love, Alex and his friends decide to join the
circus permanently to start their American tours across the country. Meanwhile, Dubois and her men find themselves
inside shipping crates on a cargo ship bound for Madagascar, thanks to Skipper (just like in the first film).
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Photo courtesy of DreamWorks studios
Teaching Literary Elements with Short Stories by Tara McCarthy
Compiled by Tracy Tisdale