Learn: Plot Guide

Welcome!Welcome back! Building on your overview of the AQA GCSE English Literature specification, we’ll now explore how to understand and analyse plot structure in the texts you're studying.

What is Plot?Plot refers to the sequence of events in a story, including how they are connected and why they happen. It is the backbone of a text, helping convey themes and develop characters.

Key Elements of PlotPlot typically includes five stages: exposition (introduces setting and characters), rising action (builds tension), climax (the turning point), falling action (events after the climax), and resolution (the conclusion).

How Writers Use PlotWriters use plot to structure the story and build emotional engagement. For example, tension is created through conflict, while resolutions provide closure or insight into themes.

Analysing PlotWhen analysing plot, consider how events are structured and their impact on characters and themes. For example, look at how the rising action leads to the climax and how the resolution ties back to key ideas.

Plot in AQA TextsIn your AQA texts, plot often reflects the writer’s context or message. For example, in An Inspector Calls, the plot is structured to reveal secrets progressively, highlighting themes of responsibility.

Review Time!Great work! You’ve learned about plot structure and how to analyse it in texts. Let’s test your understanding with a few final questions.