Exposition

Part of a story that provides background on the world, characters, and plot.

The first stage of a typical story plot that provides important background information and introduces both the setting and important characters. The conflict may also be introduced at this stage or it may be introduced later.

Narrative Hook

The part of a story that grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to read more.

Rising Action

The part of a story that builds suspense, interest, and tension related to the established plot.

The stage of the plot that develops the conflict while also presenting events that make the struggle more complicated.

Climax

The part of a story that culminates all of the suspense, interest, and tension that it has been building towards; the turning point or moment in which the conflict reaches its peak.

The point of greatest interest in a story or play in which the conflict is resolved and the outcome of the plot becomes clear. This usually occurs towards the end of a story.

Falling Action

The part of a story that wraps up loose ends after the main conflict and leads towards the closure of the story.

The stage of the plot in which the story begins to draw to a close by showing the results of an important decision or action that happened at the previous stage. Tension eases at this stage, but the final outcome of the story is not yet fully worked out.

Resolution

The part of the story where the conflict is fully resolved and the plot concludes. The end of a story.