ELA.8.R.1.1 8.7.C

Plot

Plot refers to the events that occur in a story. Authors arrange these events in a logical manner so that readers can see how they connect together. The structure of a story can change depending on how the author chooses to organize events.

At the most basic level, there are five primary elements of plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This is also referred to as dramatic structure, as it originated from plays.

The structure shown above is an example of a linear plot, which describes events in chronological order. In linear plots, the story progresses from Event A → Event B → Event C in order.

NONLINEAR PLOTS

In contrast, nonlinear plots describe events out of chronological order. Present events may be interrupted to describe past situations, or a story may start at the middle or end instead of the beginning. Nonlinear plots will use different techniques to jump around with characters, events, and timelines.

In nonlinear plots, authors may employ different literary techniques to tell their stories. Some common techniques include flashback, foreshadowing, subplots, and parallel plots.

Flashback —

A flashback is a scene that is interjected into a story; it takes it back in time. It is primarily used to tell about events that occurred before the main timeline of a story or to provide a backstory on a character or situation.

Foreshadowing —

Foreshadowing occurs when the author hints at future events that may occur in a story. This can be done through dialogue, a character's actions, the setting, or another event. It helps readers develop expectations about the story.

Subplots —

Subplots refer to secondary events and actions in a story that can connect to and/or support a main plot. They can involve the main characters or focus on supporting characters instead.

Parallel Plots —

Parallel plots refer to two or more narratives that are connected together by a common character, theme, or event. Sometimes the narratives occur at the same time, but other times, one will take place in a different time period.

Plot

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 8.7.C

analyze non-linear plot development such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, subplots, and parallel plot structures and compare it to linear plot development;

Florida - Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking: ELA.8.R.1.1

Analyze the interaction between character development, setting, and plot in a literary text.

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