Parts of a Story
Setting
the time and place of the story
Characters
the people and/or animals who interact within
the setting
Plot
the sequence of events in a story
(conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and
resolution)
Conflict
​
the problem of the story. The character’s struggle
with him/herself, another character, society, or
nature
Rising Action
​
the events that build the problem and lead to the
climax
Climax
​
the turning point in the story. It is often the most
exciting and emotional part of the action
Falling Action
​
the events that occur after the climax and lead to
the resolution
Resolution
​
the end of the story. At this point, the problem
has been solved
Theme
the central message or lesson of the story. This is
often a general statement about life. It is similar
to a moral
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Word
Part of
Speech
Definition
raggedy
adj.
old, shabby, worn out
inference
noun
developing a thought/idea about
someone or something based on
context clues
roil
verb
agitated; stirred up; irritated
wallow
verb
to roll around in; to bury oneself in
kin
noun
family
mortified
adj.
completely embarrassed
spectacle
noun
unusual sight; a foolish sight
systematic
adj.
organized
etiquette
noun
social manners/behaviors
smug
adj.
overly confident; snobbish
Vocabulary Study Tools​
:
➔ 4-Square
➔ Online tool (cram.com; quizlet; studyblue, etc)
➔ Flashcards
➔ Flipbook
* remember, it is always important to know synonyms, antonyms
and examples for each vocabulary word!
4-Square Vocabulary Tool
You may reproduce this template in your notebook, or download a copy from my staff page.
Story ConflictS
Conflict
the primary problem in a story. In other words, it is a clash or struggle
between opposing forces.
All conflicts are either...
Internal Conflict
External Conflict
a struggle between a character and his inner
self over a specific problem. The character
often has trouble making a decision.
involves a struggle between a character
and a force outside of himself.
4 Types of Conflict
Conflict
Definition
Example
Internal/
External
Man vs. Man
struggle between
two of the
characters in the
story.
a man and his wife disagree about how
their money is spent; two little boys
engaged in a fistfight; a boss firing an
employee
External
Man vs. Nature
struggle between
a character and
elements of
nature that are
beyond his
control.
a family stranded by a snowstorm; a
woman who is unable to function
because of illness; a man stalked by a
wild animal in the forest
External
Man. vs. Society
struggle between
a character and
the rules or laws
that govern the
society in which
he lives.
a woman who runs a red light; a child
who cuts class; a burglar who breaks
into a house
External
Man vs. Himself
struggle between
a character and
his conscience or
thoughts
a woman who is tempted to steal
money from her employer; a child who
can’t decide whether to lie to his
mother about his reason for arriving
home late; a man who would like to
quit his job
Internal
The Story Map
Story maps are organizers that help us ‘dissect’ a story. The story map
allows you to better understand the structure of the story, including all
of its major events, conflict(s), and characters. For each story we read,
you will use a story map to help you better understand the story.
Story Map: “Eleven”
Story Map: “Greyling”
Story Map: “The All-American Slurp”
Story Map: “Where the Wild Things Are”