ELEMENTS OF A STORY – PLOT

A story has five essential elements. These elements allow the readers to
understand the story smoothly while allowing the action to develop logically that
the reader can follow.

The five elements are the following:

1. The Characters – These are people or animals that are important to the story.
2. Setting – The time and location where the story takes place.
3. Problem - The main conflict, struggle, or issue that the characters are up
against.
4. Plot – The important events or actions that occur during the story; and
5. Solution – The way the characters solved the problem.

Plot- is one of the elements of a narrative. It consists of several events. The

events tell the action and conflict that lead the story to its climax and outcome
or conclusion. It is the storyline plan or scheme.

The plot may be presented through literary devices such as the following:
1. Chronological – sequential arrangement of events - This is the normal way
shown by the story mountain below.

2. Flashback – This device presents to the reader events which have taken place
before the events that are currently unfolding in the story. The events may be
past narratives by characters of their dreams or memories to create a
background to the present situation, place, or person. These may be placed at
the beginning or may be inserted into the normal chronological order of events.

3. In medias res – This is a Latin phrase that means "into the middle of things."
Unlike the direct narration pattern of story events, another related story is
narrated inside the main plotline. It relates from the midpoint rather than the
beginning – usually opening with a dramatic action rather than the exposition.
Name: Date:
A. Direction: Read the statement below and answer the questions. Write only
the letter of the correct answer on the space before the number.
_______ 1. This refers to the events that occur during the story that the
character experiences.
a. atmosphere b. values c. genre d. plot
_______ 2. This is usually the most intense and exciting part of the story.
a. beginning b. height c. climax d. mood
_______ 3. The events following the climax, where things are connected, and the
story concludes is called the:
a. resolution b. exposition c. the end d. climax
_______ 4. The trials in the story that need to be settled are called the ____.
a. excitement b. conflict c. anxiety d. genre
_______ 5. In understanding the elements of a story and the Plot Line – which of
the following is the correct term for the BEGINNING of a story?
a. beginning b. exceptional c. resolution d. exposition

B. Directions: Read the following statements carefully. Write true if the

statement is correct and false if the statement is wrong.
_______1. A story always has only one character.
_______2. In every story, there is always a solution to its problem.
_______3. There is always a moral lesson in every story.
_______4. Stories mostly have a beginning and an end.
_______5. There is no exciting part of a story.

C. Directions: Read the questions and encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. Which of the following is the part where the characters and setting are
established.
A. Plot B. Climax C. Exposition D. Falling Action
2. The turning point of the story. This moment is meant to have the highest
interest and emotions.
A. Climax B. Rising Action C. Falling Action D. Resolution
3. The end of the story. It is usually where the problems are being resolved.
A. Exposition B. Climax C. Resolution D. Rising Action
4. These events may be past narratives by characters of their dreams or
memories to create a background to the present situation, place, or person.
A. Plot B. Flashback C. chronological-sequential D. In medias res
5. It is narrating from the midpoint rather than the beginning – usually opening
with a dramatic action rather than the exposition.
A. Plot B. chronological-sequential C. Flashback D. In medias res
Name: Date:
A. Listen to the story. Think about who the story is mostly about, and where the story mostly
takes place.
Carla loves to color. It is one of her favorite things to do. She would color all day long if
she could. When it was almost time to start kindergarten, Carla got a brand new box of crayons.
She took the new crayon box to her room. There are so many colors!
She found one of her coloring books, and opened the new box of crayons for the first
time.
1. Who is the story mostly about?
a. the teacher b. Carla c. Carla’s house
2. Where does the story mostly take place?
a. the zoo b. the school c. Carla’s room

It was only one week until Julie’s birthday. Julie and her mom were in the kitchen. Julie’s
mom asked her what kind of birthday cake she would like to have. Julie thought for a long time.
Some of her friends liked white cake. Others liked chocolate cake. Julie wanted everyone to like
her birthday cake.
3. Who is the story mostly about?
a. bananas b. Julie c. Julie’s friends
4. Where does the story mostly take place?
a. the zoo b. the school c. the kitchen

Bunny and Crow live in the forest. Bunny has soft white fur and long floppy ears. She
lives in a nice little house under a rock. She likes to hop through the bushes. She likes to visit her
animal friends. But she always wondered what the world outside the forest was like. Crow has
shiny black feathers. His house is a nice nest at the top of a tree. He likes to fly high above the
forest. He likes to fly over rivers and towns outside the forest.
5. Who is the story mostly about?
a. Bunny’s house b. Bunny and Crow c. Bear
6. Where does the story mostly take place?
a. the forest b. the park c. the zoo

Sammy is a funny little monkey. He lives in a zoo. He likes to eat bananas and play in the
treetops. There are lots of other little monkeys in the monkey yard. They like to play on the rope
swings and chase each other around.
7. Who is the story mostly about?
a. Sammy b. rope swings c. bananas
8. Where does the story mostly take place?
a. the beach b. the school c. the zoo
D. Directions: Place the following actions in the correct sequence based on the
story entitled "The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop. Write 1 for the first event, 2
for the second, and so on.
The Lion and the Mouse
Aesop's Fables
A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid
little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get
away, ran across Lion's nose.
Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny
creature to kill her. "Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go, and
someday I will surely repay you." The Lion was much amused to think that a
Mouse could ever help him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.
Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion was caught in the
toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free himself, he filled the forest with his angry
roaring. The Mouse knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the
net. Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it until it
parted, and soon the Lion was free. "You laughed when I said I would repay you,"
said the Mouse. "Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion."
1________ A timid Mouse came upon the Lion unexpectedly.
2________ He filled the forest with his angry roaring.
3________ The Mouse found the Lion struggling in the net.
4________ The Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the Mouse.
5________ The Mouse gnawed the role until it parted.
6________ The Mouse told the Lion that even a mouse could help a lion.
7________ The Mouse begged to the Lion.
8________ The Lion was caught in the toils of a hunter's net.
9________ The Mouse told the Lion that he would repay him someday.
10________ The Lion was stalking his prey in the forest.
Name: Date:
Read each passage. Identify the setting (time + place) for each.

1. Bunny and Crow live in the forest. Bunny has soft white fur and long floppy
ears. She lives in a nice little house under a rock. She likes to hop through the
bushes. She likes to visit her animal friends. But she always wondered what the
world outside the forest was like. Crow has shiny black feathers. His house is a
nice nest at the top of a tree. He likes to fly high above the forest. He likes to fly
over rivers and towns outside the forest.

Characters

PLACE
Name: Date:

The Magic Mango Tree

by Arnold Chatty

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a kind-hearted boy

named Ben. Ben loved helping others and was known for his cheerful smile.
Behind his house grew a big mango tree, planted by his grandfather. Every
summer, it gave the sweetest mangoes in the village.
One day, as Ben was watering the tree, a bright light surrounded it.
Suddenly, the tree spoke, "Ben, because of your kindness, I will grant you a
special gift. Whenever someone is in need, pluck a mango, and your wish for
them will come true."
Ben was amazed but promised to use the magic mangoes wisely. One
day, a great storm hit the village, and many homes were damaged. Seeing the
sadness around him, Ben climbed the tree, plucked a mango, and wished for
everyone to have safe homes again.
To his surprise, the next day, builders arrived with materials to fix the
houses. The villagers were overjoyed and thankful. They knew Ben's kind heart
and the magic mango tree had helped them.
From that day on, Ben and the mango tree became the heroes of the
village, reminding everyone that kindness and caring for others can bring
wonderful blessings.

Moral of the Story: Helping others and being kind can make the world a better
place.
Name: Date:

Maya’s Big Dream

by Royahle Alvarez

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Maya who lived in a small village.
Maya loved going to school, but it wasn’t always easy. Her family was poor, and her
parents couldn’t afford fancy school supplies. Despite this, Maya worked hard and never
gave up on her dream of becoming a teacher.
Every morning, Maya woke up early to help her mother cook breakfast. Then
she walked two kilometers to school. Along the way, she would hum songs and imagine
teaching in a classroom full of happy students.
In school, Maya listened carefully to her teachers. She borrowed books from the
library and wrote her notes neatly on scraps of paper. When other kids went home to
play, Maya stayed in the classroom to study. Her teacher, Mrs. Santos, noticed her hard
work and said, “Maya, I’m proud of you. You have a bright future ahead!”
One day, their teacher announced a science contest. “The winner will receive a
scholarship for high school!” Mrs. Santos said. Maya’s heart leapt. She wanted to join,
but she didn’t have enough materials for the project.
That evening, Maya shared her problem with her parents. Her father said, “We
don’t have much, but we’ll help you with what we can.” Maya used an old cardboard
box, some bottle caps, and other recycled items to build her science project. She stayed
up late every night, perfecting her work.
On the day of the contest, Maya presented her project confidently. The judges
were amazed by her creativity and hard work. When the winners were announced,
Maya’s name was called for first place! She couldn’t believe it.
Her classmates clapped and cheered as she walked up to receive her medal and
scholarship certificate. “I worked hard for this,” Maya said, smiling. “But I couldn’t have
done it without my family and teacher.”
From that day on, Maya became an inspiration to her classmates. She continued
to study hard and promised herself she would help others achieve their dreams, too.
Exposition
Rising Action

Climax
Falling Action

Resolution

What lesson did you

learn from the story?
Story Elements:
 Characters: Maya, her parents, Mrs. Santos, classmates
 Setting: A small village and a school
 Problem: Maya wants to join a science contest but doesn’t have the materials.
 Events:
1. Maya works hard in school despite her challenges.
2. She decides to join the science contest.
3. With limited resources, she creates a project using recycled materials.
4. Maya wins the contest and a scholarship.
 Solution: Maya’s hard work, creativity, and determination help her achieve her
goal.
 Moral: Hard work and determination can help you overcome challenges and
achieve your dreams.
1. Characters: Who is this story mostly about?
2. Setting: Where does this story mostly take place?
3. Problem: What problem does one or more of the story characters [have?
4. Event 1: Which event happens first in this story?
5. Event 2: Which event happens second in this story?
6. Event 3: Which event happens third in this story?
7. Problem Solution: How is one of the characters’ problem solved?
Name: Date:

The Golden Fish Keeps a Promise

By L. M. Gask
Upon a certain island in the middle of the sea lived a fisherman
and his wife. They were so poor they often went without bread when
the fishing did not go well.
One day when the man had been fishing for many hours without
any luck, he hooked a small golden fish with eyes as bright as
diamonds.
“Let me go, kind fisherman,” the little creature cried. “I would
not even make a single mouthful for your dinner.”
The man was so moved by the beauty of the golden fish that he
let him go. Before he swam away, the fish promised that he would
come back if the fisherman ever needed help.
The fisherman laughed, for he could not think how a little fish
could help him, other than providing a bit of food. He went home and
told his wife about his adventure.
“What!” she cried. “You let him go? We have not a scrap of food
in the house, and I suppose that now we must starve.”
The fisherman’s wife continued to fuss at him until, finally, he
decided to go and put the little fish to the test. He hurried down to the
seashore, and stood at the edge of the waves.
“Golden Fish, Golden Fish! Come and help me, please,” he
called. The last word was not out of his mouth when the little fish
popped its head up out of the water.
“You see I have kept my promise,” said the fish. “How can I help
you, my friend?” And when the fisherman made his request, the fish
simply said, “Don’t worry about that. There will be plenty of food when
you get home.”
And strangely enough, when the fisherman arrived home, there was a
basket of bread on the table, and cheese and fruit as well.

A. 1. Characters: Who is this story mostly about?

2. Setting: Where does this story mostly take place?
3. Problem: What problem does one or more of the story characters [have?
4. Event 1: Which event happens first in this story?
5. Event 2: Which event happens second in this story?
6. Event 3: Which event happens third in this story?
7. Problem Solution: How is one of the characters’ problem solved?

B. Now let’s think about the story elements.

1. Characters: Who is this story mostly about?
A. a little golden fish
B. a fisherman, his wife, and a little golden fish
C. a fisherman’s wife and a little golden fish

2. Setting: Where does this story mostly take place?

A. in a small cabin B. on a beach C. on an island

3. Problem: What problem does one or more of the story characters

[have?
A. The fisherman and his wife do not have much food to eat.
B. The fisherman does not want to let the golden fish go free.
C. The golden fish does not keep his promise to help the
fisherman.

4. Event 1: Which event happens first in this story?

A. The fisherman’s wife fusses at him for letting the fish go free.
B. The fisherman catches a small golden fish.
C. The fisherman calls for the golden fish to come and help him.

5. Event 2: Which event happens second in this story?

A. The fisherman’s wife fusses at him for letting the fish go free.
B. The fisherman catches a small golden fish.
C. The fisherman calls for the golden fish to come and help him.

6. Event 3: Which event happens third in this story?

A. The fisherman’s wife fusses at him for letting the fish go free.
B. The fisherman catches a small golden fish.
C. The fisherman calls for the golden fish to come and help him.

7. Problem Solution: How is one of the characters’ problem solved?

A. The fisherman catches the golden fish again.
 B. The fisherman asks the golden fish for help, and food appears
on the table.
C. The fisherman’s wife asks the golden fish for help.

Name: Date:

The Golden Fish Acts Wisely

By L. M. Gask
Upon a certain island in the middle of the sea lived a fisherman
and his wife. They were so poor they often went without bread when
the fishing did
not go well.
One day the man caught a small golden fish who begged to be
let go. Because the man did let him go, the little fish promised that he
would come back if the fisherman ever needed help. The man said that
he and his wife had no food, and when the man returned home there
was a nice meal on the table. But the fisherman’s wife was greedy.
After she ate the nice meal, she went to bed planning what they should
demand from the golden fish next.
She woke up early the next morning and shook her husband
awake. “Wake up, you lazy man! Go and tell your fish that I need a
new washtub!” So, he went and called to the golden fish again, and
when he returned home there was a beautiful new washtub in the
yard.
Each day the fisherman’s wife had a new demand. And each one
was granted. The fisherman’s wife got a big new house, beautiful new
clothes, servants to do her work, and a horse-drawn carriage to ride in.
But the fisherman did not enjoy the new things, and he was ashamed
of his greedy wife. She was rude to the servants, and she was too busy
thinking up new demands to speak to her husband. Once again, she
demanded that he call the golden fish. She wanted to be Queen of the
Waters.
“Make your wife Queen of the Waters?” exclaimed the golden
fish. That is the last thing I should do. She is unfit to rule. She cannot
even rule herself. I shall make her a poor woman again. Goodbye! You
will see me no more.”
 With great sorrow and dread, the fisherman went home to tell
his wife the news. To his surprise, the big house had been transformed
into their little old cabin, and his wife was clothed in rags. Life was
much easier for the fisherman after that. His wife had learned the
results of greed. She planted a little garden, to provide food when the
fishing did not go well.
Sometimes when the fisherman drew in his line, the sun glinted
on the scales of his catch, and he had a moment’s hope of seeing his
little friend again. But that was never to come to pass.

Now let’s think about the story elements.

1. Characters: Who is this story mostly about?
A. a fisherman and a golden fish
B. a fisherman’s wife, her servants, and the Queen of the Waters
C. a fisherman, his wife, and a golden fish

2. Setting: Where does this story mostly take place?

A. in a fishing boat
B. on an island
C. in a big house

3. Problem: What problem does one or more of the story characters

have?
A. The fisherman is ashamed that his wife is so greedy.
B. The fisherman’s wife wants to keep the golden fish for herself.
C. The golden fish wants the fisherman’s wife to be Queen of the
Waters.

4. Event 1: Which event happens first in this story?

A. The golden fish makes food appear in the fisherman’s home.
B. The fisherman’s wife wants to be Queen of the Waters.
C. The fisherman’s wife demands more and more things.

5. Event 2: Which event happens second in this story?

A. The golden fish makes food appear in the fisherman’s home.
B. The fisherman’s wife wants to be Queen of the Waters.
 C. The fisherman’s wife demands more and more things.

6. Event 3: Which event happens third in this story?

A. The golden fish makes food appear in the fisherman’s home.
B. The fisherman’s wife wants to be Queen of the Waters.
C. The fisherman’s wife demands more and more things.

7. Problem Solution: How is one of the characters’ problems solved?

A. The golden fish never returns.
B. The golden fish makes all the new things disappear.
C. The golden fish makes the wife the Queen of the Waters.

Answer Key 1. Carla 2. Carla's room 3. Julie 4. The kitchen

1. Bunny and Crow 2. The forest 3. Sammy 4. The zoo