Reading 10-1: Plot
Plot is what happens in a story and is important for the whole story. Plot pushes the action to the end of the story.
Ex.
Ben went to the store. He bought bread and brought it home.
In this story, three things happen:
- Ben went to the store.
- Ben bought bread.
- Ben brought the bread home.
This is the plot. Sometimes, not everything that happens is part of the plot.
Ex.
Ben went to the store. He walked by the park and listened to birds sing. Ben arrived at the store. He bought bread and brought it home.
Again, in this story, three things happen:
- Ben went to the store.
- Ben bought bread.
- Ben brought the bread home.
Plot is not every part or sentence in a story. Plot starts the events in the story and ends the events. The events are necessary and related to each other.
Anything in a story that is not plot gives information about character and setting.
Ex.
Ben went to the store. He walked by the park and listened to birds sing. “It is a beautiful day. I’m glad I went for a walk!” he thought. Ben arrived at the store. The store was busy that afternoon and many other shoppers were there. He bought bread and brought it home.
The plot is the same as the stories above.
- Ben went to the store.
- Ben bought bread.
- Ben brought the bread home.
But with more information, we know setting:
- A park on a nice afternoon.
- A busy store.
We know character.
- Ben - He is glad. He needs bread.
The information we get about character and setting, is not necessary to understand the plot.