Match the elements of plot with the definition, example, or explanation of that element.
Definition: the most intense part of the story
This plot structure element is also
known as the introduction.
Definition: the problem in the story gets more complicated
“He was on his way home with it when he saw the wolf coming. He didn’t know where to hide, so he jumped in the butter churn, accidentally knocking it on its side. It began to roll, and rolled down the hill with the pig inside it, knocking the wolf off the path to town.” - The Three Little Pigs
Definition: events that lead to the resolution or ending of the story
Definition: the conclusion of the story’s plot
The little red hen asked the barnyard animals if they wanted to eat some of the bread.
- The Little Red Hen
“Once upon a time there were three little pigs, and they all lived side-by-side on Piggly Lane.”
-The Three Little Pigs
“There was once a little red hen who lived in a barnyard.”
- The Little Red Hen
At the beginning of the story, the reader learns about the two little pigs who got eaten by the wolf.
The little red hen enjoys the homemade bread all by herself!
“... the third little pig lived happily ever after.” - The Three Little Pigs
The last element of plot structure.
Definition: the turning point in the story
“So when the wolf came, he huffed and he puffed, and he huffed and he puffed, and he puffed and he huffed; but he could not blow the house down.” - The Three Little Pigs
“All the barnyard animals were perched, eyeing the bread hungrily and smacking their lips.”
- The Little Red Hen
“But the little red hen looked at each one of them, smirked, and said, ‘No, I will eat it by myself.’”
- The Little Red Hen
“Out of habit, the little red hen asked, ‘Who will help me eat this bread?’ Immediately, the pig,
the cat, and the rat all shouted, 'I will!’” - The Little Red Hen
Definition: introduces the characters and describes the setting and problem in the story
Definition: the start of the story; may describe the situation before the story begins
This plot structure element is the
peak of a plot pyramid.
“Just as the wolf was coming down, the little pig took off the cover of the pot, and the wolf fell straight in.”
- The Three Little Pigs
Definition: follows the climax of the story; the main conflict is resolved
The little pig boils the wolf in his pot.
“‘Oh, they’re great’ said the little pig; ‘Here, I will throw you one.’ And the little pig threw it so far that, while the wolf ran to pick it up, the little pig jumped from the tree and ran home.”
- The Three Little Pigs
“She lathered up a piece of the bread with butter, smiled triumphantly, and she did just that.” - The Little Red Hen
Also known as the denouement (day-noo-MON)
Definition: a series of incidents that build suspense and interest in the plot
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution