Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Plot development refers to how events unfold in a story and how they contribute to its overall structure. It includes elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Related terms
Exposition: The beginning part of a story that introduces characters, setting, and background information.
Rising Action: Events that build suspense and lead up to the climax.
Falling Action: Events that occur after the climax which begin to wrap up loose ends.