Plot and Structure(adapted from pp.109-114)

Prepared by Ms. Teref

What is CONFLICT?What is CONFLICT? Definition What does conflict bring out? What does it cause? What effects

does it produce? (CAUSE-EFFECT) Types of conflict:

1.The opposition of two people: envy, anger, hatred, avoidance, gossip, lies, fighting…

2. Between groups

3. Abstract: an individual opposes larger forces like nature, ideas, or public opinion (e.g. Wang Lung vs. drought, or Sophie Mc.Donald and alcohol)

4. Dilemma – a difficult or impossible choice, a natural conflict within an individual.

(p.109-110)

Why can’t we just get Why can’t we just get along?along?

“Conflict is the major element of plot (110).” “So what?”

e.g. Wang Lung and O-Lan get married. They have children. They work hard together. Wang acquires more land. His uncle moves in.

Find the cause-effect relationship in the above example (Wang and O-Lang have children because they get married. Wang acquires more land because O’Lan work together…)

Conflicts lead to attitudes, choices, and outcomes that make the story interesting.

The Structure of The Structure of FictionFiction

What does “structure” mean in everyday life?

What is “the structure in fiction?” Are stories and novels written randomly and spontaneously? Is fiction indeed all about “talent?”

(p.111)

Formal Categories of Formal Categories of Structure (version 1)Structure (version 1)

Formal Categories of Formal Categories of Structure (version 2) Structure (version 2)

Irrespective of the Irrespective of the Graphic…Graphic…

(pp.112-113)1. Exposition2. Complication3. Crisis4. Climax (similar to the crisis)5. Resolution or Dénouement

Selective Recollection Selective Recollection or…or…