Helping your upper elementary students understand the 5 elements of plot is extremely important. When students can identify the key parts of a story, their reading comprehension improves. They begin to understand how events build on one another. Understanding plot elements also helps students write stronger summaries because they can focus on the most important parts of the story. This is why explicitly teaching plot elements is so important.
What are the 5 Elements of Plot?
The 5 elements of plot are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. These parts work together to show how a story moves from beginning to end.
One way to help students understand plot elements is with a plot mountain. A plot mountain is a visual that shows how story events build.
The story begins at the bottom of the mountain with the exposition. Then the events move up toward the most important part, the climax of the story. After that, the story moves back down as it begins to quickly wrap up leading to the resolution.
This visual helps students see that plot is not just a list of events. Each part of the plot connects to the next part of the story.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 5 elements that make up the plot mountain.
1. Exposition: The Beginning of the Plot
The exposition is the beginning of the story. This is where the author introduces important information to the reader.
During the exposition, readers usually learn about the characters, setting, and a basic situation.
I tell students that the exposition helps us get settled into the story. It gives readers the background information they need before the main events begin.
Example:
The three little pigs grow up and leave their mother’s house. They set out to build homes of their own.
In the example above, the reader is introduced to the characters, setting, and situation. We learn that the pigs are leaving home and building their own houses. This information is important because the houses become part of the main problem in the story.
2. Rising Action: The Events that Build the Plot
The rising action includes the events that happen after the story begins. These events usually build suspense, create problems, or make the conflict more complicated.
This is the part of the story where students often notice the most action. The character may face challenges, make decisions, or try to solve the problem.
I remind students that the rising action is not just “stuff that happens.” The events need to connect to the main problem in the story.
Example:
The first pig builds a house of straw, but the hungry wolf blows it down. The second pig builds a house of sticks, but the hungry wolf blows it down too. The third pig builds a house of bricks, and the wolf cannot blow it down.
In the example above, each event makes the problem more intense. The wolf keeps trying to get the pigs, but the third house changes the direction of the story. These events build toward the climax.
3. Climax: The Turning Point
The climax is the turning point of the story. This is usually the most exciting, intense, or important part.
During the climax, the character often faces the biggest challenge. The main problem may be solved, or the story may shift in a new direction.
I tell students that the climax is the moment when the reader thinks, “What is going to happen now?” It’s usually the moment where you really want to continue reading to see how it will end.
Example:
The wolf cannot blow down the brick house, so he decides to sneak inside. He climbs onto the roof and starts going down the chimney.
In the example above, the wolf changes his plan. This is an important moment because the pigs are in the most danger. The story is about to shift.
4. Falling Action: Events After the Climax
The falling action happens after the climax. This part shows what happens because of the most important moment in the story.
During the falling action, the story begins to slow down. The main problem is usually close to being solved.
Just like in a roller coaster ride, this part tends to move quickly towards the end of the story. The events follow the climax and lead towards the resolution of the story.
This part can be tricky for students because it is often short. I tell students to look for the events that happen right after the turning point.
Example:
The wolf falls into the pot at the bottom of the chimney.
In the example above, the story begins to wrap up. The wolf’s plan does not work, and the pigs are no longer in danger.
5. Resolution: The End of the Plot
The resolution is the ending of the story. This is where the reader finds out how the story turns out.
During the resolution, the main problem is usually solved. The character may also learn a lesson.
I remind students that the resolution does not always mean every problem is perfectly fixed. It simply shows how the story ends.
Example:
The pigs end up having the wolf for dinner and live happily ever after.
In the example above, the story comes to a close. The wolf is gone, and the pigs are safe. The reader understands how the main problem was solved.
FREE PLOT ELEMENTS ANCHOR CHART
Click on the image below to download the FREE Plot Elements anchor chart.
In order for students to master identifying the 5 Elements of Plot, they will need plenty of exposure and practice. If you need ideas for plot activities you can implement in the classroom when teaching the elements of plot, click on the image below to gather some inspiration.
If you’re looking for a resource to help guide your teaching of plot, I have created a resource that includes plot posters and various practice activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Elements of Plot
What are the 5 elements of plot?
The 5 elements of plot are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. These parts help readers understand how a story moves from beginning to end.
What is the exposition of a story?
The exposition is the beginning of the story. This is where the author introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation.
What is rising action?
Rising action includes the events that happen after the story begins. These events build suspense, introduce problems, and lead toward the climax.
What is the climax of a story?
The climax is the turning point of the story. It is usually the most exciting, intense, or important part of the plot.
What is falling action?
Falling action includes the events that happen after the climax. This part shows how the story begins to wrap up.
What is the resolution of a story?
The resolution is the ending of the story. This is where the reader finds out how the story turns out.
Why are plot elements important?
Plot elements help students understand how story events connect. They also help students summarize, retell, and analyze fiction stories.
What is a plot mountain?
A plot mountain is a visual that shows how the events in a story build. It helps students see the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
What is the difference between plot and story elements?
Plot refers to the events in a story. Story elements usually include characters, setting, problem, solution, and theme.
How do you teach the 5 elements of plot?
Start with a simple plot mountain or anchor chart. Introduce students to the terms and definitions. Then use familiar stories to help students identify the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
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