Stage of Plot What to Include Techniques to Expand Ideas
- Introduce the setting (time, - Use descriptive adjectives/adverbs (e.g., gloomy
place, atmosphere) alley, dusty road)
1. Introduction - Introduce the main - Include sensory details (sights, sounds, smells)
(Exposition) character(s) - Add a hook (mystery, foreshadowing, unusual
- Hint at backstory/motivation image)
- Establish the mood/tone - Use a small action to show character personality
- Use cliffhanger sentences to build suspense (e.g.,
“Then she heard it — a sound that didn’t belong…”)
- Personification/metaphors to exaggerate setting
- Introduce an
(e.g., “The wind howled like a warning”)
2. Rising Action incident/problem
- Vary sentence length for tension
(Conflict Builds) - Show character reactions
- Add obstacles that delay resolution
- Build suspense/mystery
- Dialogue: reveal character fears or doubts.
Example: “We can’t stay here,” whispered Ali,
“something’s out there.”
- Present the highest point of - Use powerful verbs (crashed, ripped, thundered)
danger/conflict - Insert emotive dialogue (heightens drama and
- Direct confrontation with urgency). Example: “This ends now!” she shouted,
3. Climax (Turning
obstacle/antagonist voice shaking but fierce.
Point)
- Stakes at their highest - Zoom in on physical sensations (heart racing, cold
- Character shows fear or sweat)
courage - Add unexpected twists
- Use cause-and-effect connectors (because, as a
- Show the aftermath of climax
result, therefore)
- Reveal a new clue/object or
4. Falling Action - Show immediate feelings & thoughts (What is the
smaller resolution
(Consequences) character thinking/feeling now?)
- Show emotional shift (fear →
- Introduce a symbolic object (key, letter, clue) to
relief, or confusion → purpose)
push story forward
- End with a strong final image or line (e.g., “She
- Wrap up main incident walked toward the river, heart steadier than
- Show character before.”)
5. Resolution
growth/change - Use echo/repetition of earlier words for circularity
(Ending/Closure)
- Leave with a sense of closure - Show how the character is different now (braver,
or hint at future quest wiser, calmer)
- Provide lasting thoughts or moral lesson
The Old Mansion
Introduction (Exposition)
The old mansion stood at the edge of town, its cracked windows, ivy-covered walls, and tilted
roof giving it a mysterious and abandoned appearance. The locals often told stories and
legends of ghostly lights and strange noises that echoed through the valley at night. Children
dared each other to step inside, but none ever had the courage. On one chilly autumn evening,
Sam and his best friend Layla decided to face the challenge. They walked slowly through the
rusty iron gates, which creaked loudly as they swung open. The moonlight cast long shadows
across the overgrown garden, making the weeds look like twisted, reaching hands. Excitement
mixed with fear as they made their way toward the front door of the mansion.
✔ Explanation (What to Include):
✔ Introduces setting: (old mansion, cracked windows, ivy walls, moonlit garden)
✔ Introduces main characters: (Sam and Layla)
✔ Establishes atmosphere/mood: (mysterious, abandoned, chilly, suspenseful)
✔ Hints at backstory/legends: (locals’ ghost stories)
Rising Action (Conflict Builds)
Inside, the air was damp and heavy, carrying the musty smell of decay. The floorboards
groaned with every step, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling like thin curtains. A sudden
clanging noise echoed from upstairs, making both friends freeze where they stood. Layla’s
candle flickered violently, almost plunging them into darkness. “Did you hear that?” Layla
whispered, clutching Sam’s arm so tightly her knuckles turned white. “It’s just the wind,” Sam
replied quickly, though his voice cracked with unease. They pressed forward, but every shadow
seemed to move, and the silence that followed was even more frightening than the noise. Their
hearts pounded as they wondered what could be waiting for them upstairs.
✔ Explanation (What to Include):
✔ Introduces an incident/problem: (clanging noise upstairs)
✔ Shows character reactions: (fear, whispering, clutching arm, trembling voice)
✔ Builds suspense: (flickering candle, shifting shadows, silence more frightening)
✔ Uses dialogue strategically: (Layla fearful, Sam trying to sound brave)
Climax (Turning Point)
At the top of the staircase, a door slammed shut with a thunderous bang, shaking the walls and
sending dust raining down. A dark figure appeared at the end of the hallway, its shadow
stretching unnaturally long across the floor. Sam’s chest tightened as he stepped forward,
trying to shield Layla. “Who’s there?” he demanded, though his voice quivered.
The figure took another step forward, and with it came a low, rumbling sound like growling
thunder.
“Leave this place… or stay forever,” the voice boomed, vibrating through the hall. Layla gasped,
pulling Sam backward, but the figure loomed closer, its presence filling the hallway with dread.
✔ Explanation (What to Include):
✔ Highest point of danger/conflict: (slamming door, appearance of figure)
✔ Direct confrontation: (Sam challenges figure)
✔ Stakes at their highest: (threat of staying forever)
✔ Dialogue heightens drama: (Sam brave, figure threatening, tension peaks)
Falling Action (Consequences)
Panic surged as Sam and Layla turned and ran, their footsteps pounding like drums against the
wooden stairs. The hallway seemed endless, stretching on far longer than it had before. Layla’s
candle finally went out, leaving them in complete darkness. Sam groped at the wall until his hand
found the cold brass handle of the main door. He yanked it open, and a rush of icy night air
met them. Behind them, heavy footsteps echoed closer, but when Sam glanced back, the figure
was gone. They stumbled out into the moonlit yard, lungs burning, legs shaking, hearts still
hammering from fear.
✔ Explanation (What to Include):
✔ Aftermath of climax: (running, trying to escape, chased by footsteps)
✔ Emotional shift: (fear → relief as they escape)
✔ Cause-and-effect shown: (blown-out candle → panic in darkness, finding door →
freedom)
Resolution (Ending/Closure)
Outside, the night was strangely calm and still, almost as though the house had swallowed its
secrets again. Layla leaned against the rusty gate, her face pale and her eyes wide with relief.
“Next time,” she gasped, still trembling, “let’s just go to the park.”
Sam let out a shaky laugh, though his knees still felt weak. The terror of the mansion remained
heavy in their minds, but the relief of escape was overwhelming. As the moonlight lit the
crumbling house behind them, Sam couldn’t shake the thought that the mansion wasn’t finished
with them yet.
✔ Explanation (What to Include):
✔ Wrap up main incident: (escape from mansion)
✔ Show character growth/change: (braver but cautious, decision to avoid it next time)
✔ Strong final image: (moonlit house, mystery lingers)
✔ Lasting thoughts: (Sam suspects the story isn’t truly over)
