Works of literature usually adhere to a fixed organization. Stories begin with “exposition” in which characters, setting, and plot are introduced. This is followed by “rising action” that develops the conflict with complications. The “climax” is the emotional high point of the story, which is followed by “falling action” in which the conflicts are resolved. The “resolution” or “denouement” comes at the end when all the problems, mysteries, and conflicts are resolved.
Plots advance from conflict to resolution. Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice developed her plot chronologically.
Click on the Text 1, Text 2, or Text 3 buttons and read the stories. Click one of the five divisions of a story (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action or Resolution) to see the corresponding portion of the text highlight along with that portion of the graph.
