LA 8 Name_______________ Period_____
"The Hitchhiker" page 333 Date___________________________
Plot
40 pts.
I. A. Plot
The plot of a story is what happen and how it happens. There are six parts which
make up the plot:
1. Exposition: The beginning, in which setting, characters, background are
introduced.
2. Conflict: The major problem or struggle in the story. This could be
internal (man versus self) or external (man versus man, man versus
nature, man versus supernatural, man versus technology).
3. Rising Action: The characters and conflicts are developed, motives are
introduced, things happen; generally, it is the major part of a story.
4. Climax: The "high point" of a story; what you are waiting to have happen;
the "solving" of the problem.
5. Falling Action: What immediately follow the climax; the aftereffects of
the climax, or a kind of "cleaning up".
6. Resolution/Denouement: The ending. This part often explains any of the
reader's remaining questions, or may present a twist (unexpected) ending,
a "cliffhanger" (questions may be left unanswered), or standard ("They
lived happily ever after”) ending.
B. Special Plot Techniques
1. Suspense: The feeling of tension or excitement that builds throughout the
story. The reader questions what may happen next.
2. Foreshadowing: A hint or clue about what may happen later.
3. Flashback: The story may be interrupted to tell about an earlier event.
4. Surprise Ending: A "twist"; something unexpected happens.
II. Assignment
A. Create a plot diagram using events from "The Hitchhiker". This diagram needs
to include descriptions/examples from the story. Use the format on the back side
of this paper. Attach your finished diagram to this sheet. (30 points)
Page 2
"The Hitchhiker"
Plot Diagram:
B. Answer the following using complete sentences:
1. The conflict involves both Ronald Adams and the Hitchhiker.
Who do you think the Hitchhiker is, and what is his role in the
story? What is the nature of his conflict with Adams? (4 points)
2. Is the resolution supported by any of the previous events in the
story (is it a logical ending based on what happens earlier?)
Explain why or why not. (3 points)
3. What special plot techniques does the author use? Pick one from
the above list, and explain, using examples from the story. (3 points)