Home > Subjects > English > English level 3 > 3.4 Visual or oral text > Subject content > Plot and structure
- Subject: English
- AS: 90723
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
3.4 Respond critically to oral or visual text studied
Plot and structure
The plot is the order of events and the structure is how the text and the ideas have been organised and put together for the greatest impact. You need a detailed knowledge of important events so you can select appropriate and specific examples and quotations to use in your answer. See Plot and structure for examples of how the plot relates to other aspects of the text.
How the plot has been structured
- Crisis and resolution – the problem(s) and the choice(s) a character(s) has to make as a result. A catalyst (problem) usually sets up the chain of events leading to the resolution. Note when and how the problem happened and the choices the character makes to resolve it. The process of choosing helps to move the plot forward so they can deal with other complications.
- Rising tension – builds to a peak or climax where the issue is confronted or it may be a moment of truth where the main character realises their mistakes.
- Chronological – a linear narrative with a beginning, middle, and end told in the order the events occurred.
- Cyclical – the text begins and ends at the same point, the character has come a full circle on their journey.
- Flashbacks – may be used to explain past events or motives for character's actions.
- Subplot – a story line based on a minor character that can cross over with the main plot and character storyline.
Key points to study
- The beginning – list important points such as how characters are introduced and developed, any repetition of key sentences or ideas, how the opening impacts on the rest of text.
- A turning point – is a moment in the text where a character changes because they were faced with an important decision. Note when this happened, what lead up to the turning point and what was the result.
- Key scenes or important detail – what do these sections show the reader about the overall ideas of the text? What techniques have been used to create and develop ideas and tension?
- The ending – list important points such as how the characters have changed and developed throughout the text. Note how the beginning and end are similar and/or different. Is there a 'twist' or are we left hanging without a clear resolution? How satisfactory is the ending? What is implied beyond the ending – hope or futility?
Why these methods are effective for your text
After describing how your text has been structured give specific reasons as to why this has been done to create maximum impact. Think about how characters and themes have been revealed.
Ways to study the plot
- Timeline – organise important events in chronological order from beginning to end of the text by writing keywords or quotations. Identify the problem, choices, complications, resolution of the plot. Consider how the plot affects other elements of the text, such as development of character, motivation, and theme.
- Plot – Activity 2
- Graph – the changing level of tension (emotional climax) by measuring the appropriate amount of stress when an important events occurs. See structure of a narrative diagram for guidance.
- Summarise important sections of your text(s). Read over your summary and highlight important themes, feelings, actions and choices to understand how the plot has been developed.
- Cause and effect – What caused a significant event to occur? What are the consequences of this event?
Other keywords for plot and structure: events, turning point, crisis, incident, episode, sequence, scene, catalyst, conflict, confrontation, climax, tension, resolution, denouement, outcome, action, beginning, end, sub plot.
