Opening

Build-up

Climax

Ending

Resolution

Make a story mountain

Presents the characters, the setting, and the central conflict

Character faces obstacles in way of achieving goal / pursuit of something

The central dramatic question is solved one way or another

Tie up any loose ending

The turning point in the story. Protagonist must encounter a conflict -- with another character, society, nature, himself, or a combination

Protagonist undergoes some kind of change as a result of conflict

PlotConflict is the basis of plot. The protagonist must encounter a conflict - with another character, society, nature, himself, or some combination of these things - and undergo some kind of change as a result.

Robert Olen Butler puts it in terms of yearning: "Desire is the driving force behind plot. The character yearns, the character does something in pursuit of that yearning, and some force or other will block the attempt to fulfil that yearning."

That's plot in a nutshell.

Character

Setting

What does your character desire

What is the conflict?•What stands in the way of your character getting what they want?•Who is their conflict with; another character, society, nature, or themselves?

How do they overcome their obstacles?What have they learnt?• • • •

Open your story with a hook

DescriptionHigh in the mountains, a storm was brewing.

ActionJo took a deep breath and leaped down from the wall.

Dialogue“Keep away from the Birdman,” my father warned me.