Setting
Characters
Conflict
External Conflict
Internal Conflict
Plot
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
The time and place of the
action
People, animals, or imaginary
creatures that take part in a
story
The struggle between
different forces
The struggle between a
character and an outside
force
A struggle within a character’s
mind
The series of events in a story
Introduces the setting and
characters; sets up or hints at
the conflict
Shows how the conflict
unfolds and becomes more
complicated; builds suspense
The most exciting moment and
turning point; often results in a
change for the main character
Eases suspense, reveals how
the main character begins to
resolve the conflict
Ties up loose ends; sometimes
offers an unexpected twist before
the story ends