Free Printable Plot Diagram Templates [PDF, Word, Excel] with definitions

A plot diagram is a visual representation of the events that unfold in a story. It is a useful tool for analyzing the structure of a narrative and for identifying the key elements of the plot, including the rising action, the climax, and the resolution.

By breaking down the story into these distinct parts, we can better understand how the plot unfolds and how the different elements contribute to the overall narrative arc. In this way, a plot diagram can help us to more fully appreciate and understand the complexity and depth of a story.

What Is a Plot Diagram Template?

A plot diagram template is a visual representation of the structure of a story, with boxes or shapes that represent each element of the plot. The template usually includes a series of boxes or shapes connected by lines, with each box or shape representing a different part of the plot, such as the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Some plot diagram templates also include additional boxes or shapes to represent other elements of the plot, such as the setting, characters, and theme. The lines connecting the boxes or shapes represent the sequence of events in the story, with the plot moving from one box or shape to the next in a logical and chronological order. The plot diagram template is a useful tool for analyzing and understanding the structure of a narrative and for identifying the key elements that contribute to the overall plot.

Plot Diagram Templates

“Plot Diagram Templates” are pre-designed visual tools that provide a structured framework for analyzing and understanding the narrative structure of a story. These templates serve as valuable resources for students, writers, or literature enthusiasts to explore and dissect the key elements of a plot, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of storytelling.

A plot diagram is a graphical representation that outlines the progression of events in a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Plot diagram templates visually depict the different stages of a narrative, helping individuals visualize the story’s structure and identify crucial plot points.

Plot diagram templates typically consist of a series of interconnected lines or boxes representing each stage of the plot. They provide space for summarizing the main events or developments that occur within each stage, facilitating a deeper understanding of how the story unfolds.

Plot Diagram Definitions

A plot diagram is a graphical representation that organizes a narrative into certain key parts, allowing writers and readers to visualize the framework of a story. Here’s a breakdown of a typical plot diagram template along with definitions:

1. Exposition:

• The beginning of the story where the characters, setting, and initial situation are introduced.

1. Inciting Incident:

• The event that triggers the conflict and sets the story in motion.

1. Rising Action:

• A series of events that build tension and complications, leading up to the climax.

1. Climax:

• The turning point in the story, usually the most intense moment either emotionally or in action.

1. Falling Action:

• The events that follow the climax and begin to resolve the conflict.

1. Resolution (or Denouement):

• The conclusion where the conflict is resolved and the story ends.

In a graphical representation, the plot diagram often takes the shape of a triangle or a mountain, showing the rise and fall of action.

• At the base, you’d place the Exposition.
• As you move up one side, you’re moving through the Rising Action.
• The peak represents the Climax.
• As you move down the other side, you’re moving through the Falling Action.
• Finally, at the other base, you place the Resolution.

This structure is a simplistic way to look at narrative structure, and not all narratives will fit neatly into this diagram, especially modern or experimental narratives. Nonetheless, it’s a helpful tool for analyzing traditional narrative structures and for teaching basic storytelling techniques.

Types of plot diagram

There are several different types of plot diagram templates that can be used to represent the structure of a story. Some common types include:

Linear plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story in a linear fashion, with the plot moving from the introduction to the rising action to the climax to the falling action to the resolution.

Wheel plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a series of circles or wheels, with the climax at the center and the other elements of the plot radiating outward.

Tree plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a tree, with the trunk representing the main plot and the branches representing subplots or secondary events.

Mountain plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a mountain, with the rising action at the bottom, the climax at the peak, and the falling action and resolution at the top.

Pyramid plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a pyramid, with the introduction at the base and the climax at the apex.

Diamond plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a diamond shape, with the introduction and resolution at the top and bottom points, and the rising action and climax at the left and right points.

Hourglass plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as an hourglass, with the rising action and climax at the narrow middle section and the introduction and resolution at the wide top and bottom sections.

Spiral plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a spiral, with the introduction at the center and the plot moving outward in a series of concentric circles.

Circle plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a circle, with the introduction and resolution at the top and bottom points and the rising action and climax at the left and right points.

Star plot diagram template: This type of template represents the events of the story as a star, with the introduction and resolution at the top and bottom points and the rising action and climax at the left and right points.

Important parts of a plot diagram template

The essential elements of a plot diagram template typically include:

Introduction: This is the beginning of the story, where the setting, characters, and initial conflict are introduced.

Rising action: This is the series of events that lead up to the climax of the story, where the conflict becomes more intense and the stakes become higher.

Climax: This is the turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome is uncertain.

Falling action: This is the series of events that follow the climax, as the characters work to resolve the conflict and tie up loose ends.

Resolution: This is the end of the story, where the conflict is resolved and the main characters achieve their goals or learn valuable lessons.

Subplots: These are secondary plots that intersect with the main plot and add additional complexity to the story.

Foreshadowing: These are hints or clues that suggest what will happen later in the story.

Flashbacks: These are scenes that take place in the past and provide context or background information for the present events of the story.

Irony: This is a literary device in which the outcome is opposite of what is expected or intended.

Symbolism: This is the use of symbols or objects to represent ideas or themes in the story.

In addition to these main elements, a plot diagram template may also include boxes or shapes to represent other elements of the plot, such as the setting, characters, and theme. The lines connecting the boxes or shapes represent the sequence of events in the story, with the plot moving from one box or shape to the next in a logical and chronological order. The plot diagram template is a useful tool for analyzing and understanding the structure of a narrative and for identifying the key elements that contribute to the overall plot.

Benefits of using a plot diagram template

There are several benefits to making a plot diagram template, including:

Improved understanding of the story: A plot diagram template helps to break down the events of a story into distinct parts, making it easier to understand the overall structure and how the different elements fit together.

Identifying key elements of the plot: By visualizing the different parts of the plot, it becomes easier to identify the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, as well as other important elements such as subplots, foreshadowing, and symbols.

Analyzing the narrative arc: A plot diagram template allows you to see the overall shape of the story and how it progresses from the beginning to the end. This can help you to understand the pacing of the story and how the different elements contribute to the overall narrative arc.

Comparing and contrasting stories: By creating plot diagrams for multiple stories, you can more easily compare and contrast their structures and themes, and see how they differ in terms of their plot elements and narrative arcs.

Enhancing critical thinking skills: Making a plot diagram template requires you to carefully analyze the events of the story and consider how they fit together to form the overall narrative. This can help to improve your critical thinking skills and your ability to interpret and analyze text.

Organizing information: A plot diagram template provides a visual representation of the story, which can help you to better organize and remember the events and details of the narrative.

Facilitating discussion: A plot diagram template can serve as a useful starting point for discussion and analysis of a story, helping to focus the conversation and generate ideas and insights.

Enhancing writing skills: By understanding the structure of a story and the elements that contribute to the plot, you can better incorporate these elements into your own writing, helping to create more well-developed and engaging narratives.

Improving reading comprehension: By creating a plot diagram template for a story you have read, you can more fully understand and remember the events of the narrative, which can help to improve your reading comprehension skills.

Encouraging creative thinking: Making a plot diagram template requires you to think creatively and come up with different ways to represent the events and elements of a story. This can help to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ideas.

How to Make a Plot Diagram in Microsoft Word

To make a plot diagram in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Open Microsoft Word and create a new document.

• Draw a rectangle to represent the introduction of the story. This will be the first box in your plot diagram.

• Draw additional rectangles to represent the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of the story. These will be the next boxes in your plot diagram.

• Connect the boxes with lines to show the sequence of events in the story.

• Add labels to each box to indicate what part of the plot it represents.

• If you want to include additional elements in your plot diagram, such as subplots, symbols, or themes, you can draw additional boxes or shapes and connect them to the main plot using lines.

• Use the text boxes and formatting tools in Microsoft Word to add text and details to your plot diagram.

• Save your document when you are finished.

By following these steps, you can create a simple and effective plot diagram using Microsoft Word.

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