Literature notes-S3-Chap II

CLASS: SENIOR THREE

COURSE CONTENTS

UNIT I: REVIEW OF KEY ASPECTS OF PROSE
UNIT II: PLOT DEVELOPMENT
UNIT III: TONE, ATMOSPHERE AND PURPOSE
UNIT IV: TYPES OF POETRY AND POEMS
UNIT V: POETIC DEVICES
UNIT VI: CONTEXT AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT
UNIT VII: CHARACTER, SUBJECT MATTER AND THEMES
UNIT VIII: STYLE, MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE.
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UNIT II: PLOT DEVELOPMENT

   II.1. DEFINITION

Plot development refers to how the events and actions are arranged or structured in a story. It is also the progression of events leading to a resolution. For more, see also plot and key aspects of prose.

   II.2. THE PLOT  ELEMENTS

The structure of the plot is determined by the following elements: Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.

a. Exposition/introduction: It is the opening/beginning of a story where the reader is introduced to characters, and the setting is revealed. Sometimes the main conflict is also introduced here.

A conflict: It is the struggle between two opposing characters or forces in a story.

b. Rising action: This is where the events in the story become complex. The conflict is revealed at this stage (events between introduction and climax).

c. Climax: It is the highest point of interest, tension and suspense. It is the turning point of the story where events reach their peak and /the reader questions what will happen next.

d. Falling action: At this stage the events and conflicts/complications begin to resolve. Events show the results of how the characters begin to resolve the conflict.

e. Resolution/ denouement:  The parts of the plot that concludes the falling action by revealing or suggesting the outcome of the conflict.  It is the end of the story.