Exposition: The introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understanding the story.

 

Foreshadowing: The use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story.

Inciting Incident: The act or action that sets the story and conflict in motion.

 

Conflict: The essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflicts we encounter can usually be identified as one of four kinds. (Man versus...Man, Nature, Society, or Self)

Rising Action: The part of a story which begins with the  exposition and sets the stage for the climax. A conflict often develops between the protagonist and an antagonist. 

Crisis: The conflict reaches a turning point. At this point the opposing forces in the story meet and the conflict becomes most intense. The crisis occurs before or at the same time as the climax.

Climax: The climax is the result of the crisis. It is the high point of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted.

 

Falling Action: The falling action is the series of events which take place after the climax; it is where the protagonist must react to the changes that occur during the climax of the story. 

Resolution (Denouement): The part of a story which occurs after the climax and which establishes a new norm, a new state of affairs-the way things are going to be from then on. The author often ties up the loose ends of the story to have the plot reach a conclusion.