When you read a novel, you're probably not aware of the story's underlying structure. To be sure, you may easily identify some elements of the plot, such as the introduction of the characters and the resolution of the main conflict, but overall, readers lose track of a novel's elements as they focus on what happens next. Recall that a plot sequence follows a pattern similar to the one below.
Although you may not be able to easily identify the elements of the plot, writers work hard to follow this sequence. Otherwise, the story doesn't follow a logical format and have the desired impact. For example, novelists use the rising action phase of a plot to build suspense, and they use the falling action to begin resolving issues raised in the first part of the novel. However, it isn't until the very end of the novel that you learn how the main conflict is resolved--if it is resolved.
In the activity below, put the events from the plot of The Outsiders in the correct order. Refer to the plot diagram above if you need help.
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Ponyboy introduces the members of his gang.
Johnny dies from his injuries, and Dally is killed by the police.
Ponyboy and Johnny save the children trapped in the burning church.
Johnny kills a Soc, and he and Ponyboy hide out in an abandoned church.
Ponyboy decides to change his attitude and that of others by writing about his experiences.
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Now, see if you can answer these questions about plots of novels.
1. When do authors use plot complications in a novel?
- during the exposition
- during the rising action
- during the resolution
Plot complications are used to build the story to a climax.
Plot complications are used to build the story to a climax.
Plot complications are used to build the story to a climax.
2. Which of these is a plot complication from The Outsiders?
- Ponyboy describes his brothers Darry and Sodapop.
- Johnny dies from his injuries from the fire.
- Ponyboy and Darry fight, and Ponyboy leaves home.
Another plot complication is when the Socs catch the greasers walking Cherry and Marcia home.
Another plot complication is when the Socs catch the greasers walking Cherry and Marcia home.
Another plot complication is when the Socs catch the greasers walking Cherry and Marcia home.
3. What is the purpose of plot complications?
- to build suspense
- to resolve conflicts
- to introduce characters
Suspense in a novel builds until the climax, and then it slowly begins to decrease throughout the rest of the story.
Suspense in a novel builds until the climax, and then it slowly begins to decrease throughout the rest of the story.
Suspense in a novel builds until the climax, and then it slowly begins to decrease throughout the rest of the story.
4. Why is the climax considered the turning point of a novel?
- After the climax, more conflicts are introduced.
- After the climax, the conflicts begin to be resolved.
- The climax resolves the main conflict in the novel.
Conflicts are introduced during the rising action phase, and they begin to be resolved during the falling action phase.
Conflicts are introduced during the rising action phase, and they begin to be resolved during the falling action phase.
Conflicts are introduced during the rising action phase, and they begin to be resolved during the falling action phase.
Summary
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