The graphic you see above shows you the main parts of any story that you read.This is the basic organization of any short story, and even most novels follow the pattern you see above.
The first part of Plot Mountain is the EXPOSITION phase. Exposition is the brief part of the story where you meet the characters, learn a little bit about the setting that they are in, and you will find out a little bit about the situation the characters initially find themselves dealing with.Our hero is a brave knight who lives in a village. The princess has been taken by an evil dragon. The king says anyone who will rescue his daughter will have a great reward. Our hero volunteers and everyone else thinks he's a great guy.
The second part of Plot Mountain is the RISING ACTION phase. This is where the character(s) begin to struggle and run into challenging situations. The Rising Action is usually the greatest portion of the story. This phase unveils all of the trials and tribulations that the hero must overcome in order to save the princess or capture the dragon.
The third part of Plot Mountain is the CLIMAX. This is the high point of the story. This is where all of the tension has been building, you are sitting on the edge of the seat, biting your nails, and then you gasp because it is so exciting. In an instant, our hero proves himself and saves the princess or captures the dragon.
The fourth part of Plot Mountain is the FALLING ACTION. This is the ride home, where our hero has the princess on his white horse and the dragon tied to his wagon behind them. They talk, he tells some clever jokes, he may kiss the princess, but things are starting to look up for the hero.
And finally comes the RESOLUTION. This is where the king gives the hero the hand of the princess in marriage, they barbeque the dragon, and they all live happily ever after.
As you read, you should try to categorize the parts of the story into these five parts of the plot mountain graphic. As you read, pay close attention to the CLIMAX, as it is truly a turning point in the story where the hero either wins big time, or loses it all.
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