Plot Analysis

1. Exposition: This is the introductory phase of the plot where the setting, characters, and initial circumstances are introduced. The exposition provides essential background information to help readers or viewers understand the story’s context.
2. Rising Action: In the rising action, the central conflict or problem of the story is established, and a series of events occur that build tension and lead the plot toward its climax. Character development often takes place during this phase.
3. Climax: The climax is the story’s turning point, the moment of greatest conflict and intensity. It represents the point at which the central character or characters must make a crucial decision or face the most significant challenge. The outcome of the climax often determines the story’s direction.
4. Falling Action: Following the climax, the falling action is the phase in which the story begins to wind down. Loose ends are tied up, and the consequences of the climax are explored. Conflicts are resolved, and the story moves toward its conclusion.
5. Resolution (or Denouement): The resolution is the conclusion of the story. It reveals the final outcome for the characters and the resolution of the central conflict. It offers insight into the characters’ futures and often leaves readers or viewers with a sense of closure.

In a plot analysis, you closely examine these plot elements to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the story. You may also explore how the author employs literary techniques, narrative choices, and character development within the plot to convey themes, symbolism, and messages.

1. Sequence of Events:
   • Do: Present a clear and sequential account of the major events in the plot. Describe how they unfold and connect to one another.
   • Don’t: Don’t provide a disjointed or disorganized account of events that confuses the reader.
2. Contribution to Overall Meaning:
   • Do: Analyze how each event or plot point contributes to the overall meaning and themes of the literary work. Explain how they advance the author’s message or narrative purpose.
   • Don’t: Don’t merely summarize events without connecting them to the larger context of the work’s meaning.
3. Character Development:
   • Do: Discuss how the events in the plot influence the development of the characters. Explore how their actions, decisions, and conflicts shape their growth or transformation.
   • Don’t: Don’t overlook the characters’ growth or provide a shallow analysis of their development within the plot.
4. Conflict and Tension:
   • Do: Analyze the conflicts and tensions that arise throughout the plot. Explain how they drive the narrative forward, create suspense, and engage the reader.
   • Don’t: Don’t ignore the significance of conflicts or downplay their role in maintaining reader interest.
5. Pacing and Structure:
   • Do: Examine the pacing of the plot—how events are structured in terms of timing and order. Discuss how the author’s choices in pacing impact the reader’s experience.
   • Don’t: Don’t disregard the pacing or structure, as they affect the reader’s engagement with the plot’s development.
6. Foreshadowing and Symbolism:
   • Do: Identify instances of foreshadowing and symbolism within the plot. Explain how these elements contribute to the plot’s depth and meaning.
   • Don’t: Don’t overlook subtle foreshadowing or symbolism that may enhance the plot’s complexity.
7. Climax and Resolution:
   • Do: Analyze the climax of the plot—the moment of highest tension and decision-making. Discuss how it resolves the central conflict and leads to the story’s resolution.
   • Don’t: Don’t rush through the climax and resolution without considering their significance in the plot’s structure.
8. Impact on Characters’ Relationships:
   • Do: Explore how the plot events affect the relationships between characters. Discuss how conflicts and resolutions shape the dynamics among the characters.
   • Don’t: Don’t neglect to analyze the interpersonal relationships within the plot, as they often contribute to character development and thematic exploration.
9. Plot Twists and Surprises:
   • Do: Address any plot twists or surprises within the narrative. Explain their impact on the reader’s engagement and understanding of the story.
   • Don’t: Don’t reveal major plot twists without considering their narrative and thematic significance.
10. Foreshadowing of Themes:
    • Do: Examine how the plot foreshadows or introduces themes that are explored more fully later in the work. Discuss how early events set the stage for deeper thematic exploration.
    • Don’t: Don’t overlook the thematic elements introduced in the early stages of the plot, as they can provide valuable insights into the work’s overall message.

By focusing on these key essentials in your plot analysis, you will be able to provide a comprehensive evaluation of how the plot unfolds, its impact on the story’s meaning, and its role in engaging the reader.

1. “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne:
   • Exposition: Set in colonial New England, Goodman Brown leaves his wife, Faith, to embark on a mysterious journey into the forest.
   • Rising Action: Brown encounters a series of characters, including a mysterious stranger and townspeople, engaging in a dark ceremony.
   • Climax: At the ceremony, Brown sees his wife, Faith, participating in the ritual, shattering his faith in her and the goodness of the world.
   • Falling Action: Brown returns to the village, disoriented and disillusioned, unable to trust anyone.
   • Resolution: The story concludes with ambiguity, as it remains unclear whether Brown’s experiences were real or a dream, emphasizing the theme of doubt and the loss of innocence.
2. “The Shawshank Redemption” (film) directed by Frank Darabont:
   • Exposition: The film introduces Andy Dufresne, who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank State Penitentiary.
   • Rising Action: Andy’s life in Shawshank involves enduring abuse from inmates and corrupt guards while forming friendships with fellow prisoners.
   • Climax: Andy exposes the corrupt warden and orchestrates his escape through a tunnel he’s been digging for years.
   • Falling Action: The prison authorities discover Andy’s escape but cannot locate him.
   • Resolution: Andy and his friend Red are reunited on a beach, symbolizing freedom and hope for the future.
3. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:
   • Exposition: The novel introduces the Bennet family and the social norms of 19th-century England.
   • Rising Action: The arrival of wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley and his friend Mr. Darcy stirs the Bennet family and the local society.
   • Climax: Elizabeth Bennet rejects Mr. Darcy’s proposal due to his perceived pride and interference in her sister’s romance.
   • Falling Action: Elizabeth learns the truth about Mr. Darcy’s character and his role in saving her sister’s reputation.
   • Resolution: Mr. Darcy proposes again, and Elizabeth accepts, leading to the marriage of the two main characters and the resolution of various subplots.
4. “The Matrix” (film) directed by the Wachowskis:
   • Exposition: Computer hacker Neo learns that the reality he knows is a simulated world created by machines, and he joins a group of rebels.
   • Rising Action: Neo undergoes training to become “The One” and battles the agents within the Matrix.
   • Climax: Neo confronts the machines and the Matrix’s architect, making a choice that affects the fate of humanity.
   • Falling Action: Neo’s actions lead to a truce with the machines and the possibility of a better future for humans.
   • Resolution: Neo sacrifices himself to save humanity, and the film ends with a sense of hope for a world beyond the Matrix.
5. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger:
   • Exposition: Holden Caulfield, a troubled teenager, recounts his experiences after being expelled from boarding school.
   • Rising Action: Holden wanders around New York City, interacting with various people and reflecting on his past and future.
   • Climax: Holden’s breakdown and hospitalization, triggered by his deep sense of alienation and disillusionment.
   • Falling Action: Holden begins to receive psychiatric treatment and shows signs of gradual improvement.
   • Resolution: The novel concludes with Holden’s reflection on his time at the psychiatric hospital, hinting at a possibility of his reintegration into society.
6. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:
   • Exposition: The play opens in Verona with a feud between the Montague and Capulet families.
   • Rising Action: Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love despite their families’ enmity. They secretly marry.
   • Climax: Mercutio and Tybalt are killed in a street fight, leading to Romeo’s banishment.
   • Falling Action: Juliet fakes her death to avoid marrying Paris, but Romeo, unaware of the ruse, kills himself.
   • Resolution: Juliet awakens, finds Romeo dead, and kills herself. The families reconcile.
7. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Exposition: Nick Carraway moves to Long Island and becomes neighbors with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
   • Rising Action: Nick becomes entangled in Gatsby’s extravagant parties and learns about Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan.
   • Climax: Tom Buchanan confronts Gatsby, leading to a tragic chain of events, including Myrtle Wilson’s death.
   • Falling Action: Gatsby’s murder and Daisy’s departure follow, and Nick leaves Long Island disillusioned.
   • Resolution: Nick reflects on the American Dream’s corruption and Gatsby’s tragic end.
8. “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (film):
   • Exposition: The peaceful land of Middle-earth is threatened by the dark lord Sauron, and the One Ring holds immense power.
   • Rising Action: Frodo Baggins embarks on a quest to destroy the One Ring with the help of the Fellowship of the Ring.
   • Climax: The Fellowship faces numerous challenges, leading to Gandalf’s apparent demise and the decision to split up.
   • Falling Action: Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor, while the others pursue different missions.
   • Resolution: Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom, but Frodo succumbs to the Ring’s temptation before Gollum bites off his finger, destroying the Ring.
9. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
   • Exposition: Set in the racially segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s, young Scout Finch narrates her childhood.
   • Rising Action: Scout, Jem, and their father Atticus face prejudice and racism when Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape.
   • Climax: Tom Robinson’s trial and subsequent conviction cause tension in the town.
   • Falling Action: Bob Ewell seeks revenge on Atticus’s family, leading to a violent confrontation.
   • Resolution: Boo Radley saves Scout and Jem, revealing his humanity. Scout gains a deeper understanding of empathy and prejudice.
10. “Inception” (film) directed by Christopher Nolan:
    • Exposition: Dom Cobb, a skilled extractor, enters people’s dreams to steal information. He is haunted by his wife’s death.
    • Rising Action: Cobb is hired for an inception job, planting an idea into a target’s mind, which is deemed impossible.
    • Climax: The inception plan involves multiple dream layers, leading to a complex and intense final sequence.
    • Falling Action: Cobb confronts his inner demons and finally lets go of his guilt and grief.
    • Resolution: The film ends ambiguously, leaving viewers to interpret whether Cobb is in reality or still in a dream.
11. “The Odyssey” by Homer:
    • Exposition: The epic poem begins with the hero Odysseus’ long journey home from the Trojan War, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus await his return.
    • Rising Action: Odysseus faces numerous challenges and adventures, including encounters with gods, mythical creatures, and the seductive Calypso.
    • Climax: Odysseus returns to Ithaca and devises a plan to reclaim his throne and reunite with his family.
    • Falling Action: Odysseus successfully defeats the suitors vying for Penelope’s hand and proves his identity to her.
    • Resolution: The family is reunited, and order is restored to Ithaca, concluding the epic with themes of homecoming and heroism.
12. “The Dark Knight” (film) directed by Christopher Nolan:
    • Exposition: Batman, Harvey Dent, and Lieutenant Gordon work together to combat organized crime in Gotham City.
    • Rising Action: The Joker emerges as a chaotic force, challenging Batman’s moral code and creating chaos in Gotham.
    • Climax: Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face and the Joker’s capture lead to a climactic showdown on two ferries rigged with explosives.
    • Falling Action: Batman takes the blame for Dent’s crimes to protect Dent’s legacy as Gotham’s White Knight.
    • Resolution: The film ends with Batman on the run, the Joker’s capture, and the moral ambiguity surrounding Dent’s death.
13. “1984” by George Orwell:
    • Exposition: In a dystopian future, the Party, led by Big Brother, exercises total control over the lives of citizens, including protagonist Winston Smith.
    • Rising Action: Winston begins to question the Party’s oppressive regime, engages in a forbidden love affair with Julia, and reads a forbidden book.
    • Climax: Winston and Julia are arrested, tortured, and forced to betray each other and their beliefs.
    • Falling Action: Winston’s spirit is broken, and he succumbs to the Party’s indoctrination.
    • Resolution: The novel concludes with Winston’s complete submission to the Party, highlighting the bleakness of totalitarianism.
14. “Memento” (film) directed by Christopher Nolan:
    • Exposition: Leonard Shelby, suffering from short-term memory loss, seeks to find his wife’s murderer and exact revenge.
    • Rising Action: Leonard uses Polaroid photos, tattoos, and notes to piece together clues, but his condition complicates his quest.
    • Climax: Leonard discovers the truth about his wife’s death but chooses to forget it by intentionally erasing his own memory.
    • Falling Action: The film’s narrative, presented in reverse order, reveals the events leading up to the climax.
    • Resolution: The film ends with Leonard once again pursuing his wife’s killer, suggesting an endless cycle of vengeance and self-deception.
15. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy:
    • Exposition: A father and his young son journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape in search of safety and sustenance.
    • Rising Action: The duo faces a series of harrowing encounters with desperate survivors, cannibals, and the brutal realities of the world.
    • Climax: The father succumbs to his injuries, leaving the son alone and facing an uncertain future.
    • Falling Action: The son is taken in by a compassionate family, providing a glimmer of hope in the otherwise bleak setting.
    • Resolution: The novel concludes with the son carrying the torch of humanity, determined to survive and find goodness in a world ravaged by disaster.
16. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare:
    • Exposition: The play begins with the ghost of King Hamlet revealing his murder to his son, Prince Hamlet, setting the stage for revenge.
    • Rising Action: Hamlet feigns madness, investigates the murder, and grapples with his moral and emotional turmoil.
    • Climax: The play reaches its peak when Hamlet confronts King Claudius, mistakenly kills Polonius, and triggers a series of tragic events.
    • Falling Action: Ophelia’s madness, her eventual death, and the challenges to Hamlet’s life culminate in a climactic duel.
    • Resolution: The play concludes with a tragic bloodbath, leading to the death of many key characters and a shift in the Danish monarchy.
17. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Alternative Analysis):
    • Exposition: The novel introduces Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire known for hosting extravagant parties, and Nick Carraway, the narrator.
    • Rising Action: Nick becomes entangled in Gatsby’s world, leading to a growing fascination with Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy Buchanan.
    • Climax: The hit-and-run death of Myrtle Wilson, Daisy’s affair with Gatsby, and the tragic chain of events that follows.
    • Falling Action: Gatsby’s murder, George Wilson’s suicide, and Nick’s disillusionment with the American Dream.
    • Resolution: Nick reflects on the shallowness of the upper class and Gatsby’s unattainable dream.
18. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins:
    • Exposition: In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal televised fight to the death, to save her sister.
    • Rising Action: Katniss navigates the challenges of the arena, forms alliances, and sparks a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.
    • Climax: The rebellion gains momentum as Katniss and her allies infiltrate the Capitol, leading to a final showdown.
    • Falling Action: The rebellion succeeds, but at a heavy cost, and Katniss must come to terms with her traumatic experiences.
    • Resolution: The novel concludes with Katniss finding a measure of peace and hope for the future.
19. “The Matrix” (film) directed by the Wachowskis (Alternative Analysis):
    • Exposition: The film introduces a world where machines have enslaved humanity and created a simulated reality, the Matrix.
    • Rising Action: Neo, guided by Morpheus, becomes “The One” and confronts the agents within the Matrix.
    • Climax: Neo’s realization of his true potential and his battle against Agent Smith in the Matrix’s final confrontation.
    • Falling Action: Neo’s sacrifice to save humanity and broker a truce with the machines.
    • Resolution: The film ends with the possibility of coexistence between humans and machines, hinting at a new era.
20. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger (Alternative Analysis):
    • Exposition: The novel introduces Holden Caulfield, who is expelled from boarding school and decides to run away to New York City.
    • Rising Action: Holden’s misadventures in the city involve encounters with various characters, including his little sister, Phoebe.
    • Climax: Holden’s emotional breakdown in Central Park, triggered by his feelings of alienation and disillusionment with the adult world.
    • Falling Action: Holden receives psychiatric treatment and begins to reflect on his experiences.
    • Resolution: The novel concludes with Holden in a mental institution, indicating a potential path towards recovery and understanding.
21. “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell:
    • Exposition: The play opens with a murder investigation at the Wrights’ farmhouse, where John Wright has been killed.
    • Rising Action: The county attorney, sheriff, and two local women, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale, investigate the scene. While the men dismiss women’s concerns, the women uncover crucial evidence that points to Mrs. Wright’s motive.
    • Climax: The women decide to hide the evidence, a dead canary, which they believe holds the key to understanding Mrs. Wright’s actions.
    • Falling Action: The men remain oblivious to the significance of the canary, and the women quietly unite in support of Mrs. Wright.
    • Resolution: The play concludes with the women choosing not to reveal their findings, symbolizing their solidarity and understanding of the oppressive circumstances faced by Mrs. Wright.
22. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy (Alternative Analysis):
    • Exposition: In a post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son journey through a devastated landscape, seeking safety and survival.
    • Rising Action: The duo encounters harrowing situations and ruthless survivors, forging a deep bond as they face the bleak and dangerous world.
    • Climax: The father succumbs to his injuries, leaving the son alone and vulnerable.
    • Falling Action: The son is discovered by a kind family, offering a glimpse of hope in a desolate world.
    • Resolution: The novel concludes with the son carrying the torch of humanity and resilience.
23. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry:
    • Exposition: In a seemingly utopian society, Jonas is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memory, a role that reveals the truth about the community’s controlled existence.
    • Rising Action: Jonas receives memories from the current Receiver, the Giver, which open his eyes to the world’s suppressed emotions and experiences.
    • Climax: Jonas discovers that the community practices “release,” which is actually euthanasia, and decides to escape with a baby he is tasked with caring for.
    • Falling Action: Jonas and the baby brave the harsh world beyond the community, experiencing both danger and love.
    • Resolution: The novel ends ambiguously as they find a sled and experience a joyful downhill ride, symbolizing the possibility of a new beginning.
24. “A&P” by John Updike:
    • Exposition: The story is set in a small-town grocery store, where the narrator, Sammy, works as a cashier.
    • Rising Action: Sammy becomes infatuated with a group of girls who enter the store wearing bathing suits. He impulsively quits his job to defend the girls’ honor.
    • Climax: Sammy’s resignation, despite the girls having left the store, represents his defiance against conformity and the store’s strict rules.
    • Falling Action: Sammy faces the realization that his decision may have far-reaching consequences, both for himself and his future.
    • Resolution: The story ends with Sammy uncertain about his future but determined to break free from societal expectations.
25. “Fences” by August Wilson:
    • Exposition: The play introduces Troy Maxson, a former baseball player, and his family in 1950s Pittsburgh, as they struggle with issues of race, dreams, and generational conflicts.
    • Rising Action: Troy’s affair, his son Cory’s aspirations, and Troy’s strained relationship with his wife Rose create tensions in the household.
    • Climax: Troy’s revelation of his affair and his decision to bring his illegitimate child home lead to a dramatic confrontation.
    • Falling Action: Troy’s death and its impact on his family and friends as they come to terms with his legacy.
    • Resolution: The play concludes with Cory’s decision to attend Troy’s funeral and continue pursuing his own dreams.
26. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara:
    • Exposition: The story introduces Squeaky, a talented runner in her Harlem neighborhood, and her responsibilities, including looking after her mentally challenged brother, Raymond.
    • Rising Action: Squeaky prepares for a track meet while dealing with rival runners, including Gretchen, and her growing sense of responsibility towards Raymond.
    • Climax: Squeaky wins the race but is surprised to see Raymond running alongside her, revealing his hidden talent.
    • Falling Action: Squeaky’s perspective on Raymond changes, and she realizes the potential for growth and connection within her family.
    • Resolution: The story ends with Squeaky’s newfound understanding and acceptance of Raymond, symbolizing personal growth and empathy.
27. “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry:
    • Exposition: The story opens with a man named Jimmy Wells waiting on a street corner in New York City to meet his friend Bob.
    • Rising Action: Bob arrives, and the two friends reminisce about their past and the differences between their current lives and aspirations.
    • Climax: Jimmy reveals that he is a police officer and has come to arrest Bob for his criminal activities.
    • Falling Action: Bob accepts his fate, and they part ways, with Jimmy promising to meet Bob’s son if he ever visits New York.
    • Resolution: The story concludes with the realization that loyalty and honor can endure even when circumstances change, highlighting the theme of friendship and duty.
28. “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling:
    • Exposition: The novel begins with the discovery of the abandoned baby Mowgli in the jungle and his adoption by a pack of wolves.
    • Rising Action: Mowgli grows up in the jungle, learning the ways of the animals and encountering various creatures, including the wise panther Bagheera and the jovial bear Baloo.
    • Climax: Mowgli faces his ultimate challenge when he confronts the vengeful tiger Shere Khan.
    • Falling Action: After defeating Shere Khan, Mowgli decides to leave the jungle to live among humans.
    • Resolution: The novel ends with Mowgli’s departure, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between the wild and human worlds.

These plot analyses demonstrate the key elements of each story’s structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. They provide insight into the progression of the narrative and the development of characters and themes.