Adapted- Using Finding Nemo for 9th ELA

1. Identifying the Elements of A
Plot Diagram
Plot Structure using ‘Finding Nemo’

2. Plot (definition)
• Plot is the organized
pattern or sequence of
events that make up a
story. Every plot is made up
of a series of incidents that
are related to one another.

3. Plot Diagram
2
1
3
4
5

4. 1. Exposition
• This usually occurs at the beginning of a story. Here the
characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of
the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main
conflict (main problem).

5. Finding Nemo:
• Marlin’s cautious nature is shown when he goes in and out of the
home indefinitely, checking for danger.
• Nemo’s ‘lucky fin’ is revealed, showing that he was physically
affected by the barracuda attack.
• We also see that Nemo is a regular kid, annoyed by his father’s
worrying.
• Marlin is socially awkward, revealed through his terribly unfunny
joke.
1. Exposition

6. 2. Rising Action
• This part of the story begins with the
inciting incident. This is the event that
set off the rest of the action. A
building of interest or suspense
occurs.

7. In Finding Nemo, the conflict truly begins when Nemo is
taken by the divers. This is known as the inciting incident.
It is the beginning of the rising action.
2. Rising Action

8. Finding Nemo:
1. Marlin encounters the sharks.
2. Marlin goes through the jellyfish.
3. Nemo gains the friendship of the aquarium fish.
4. Nemo attempts to escape the aquarium.
2. Rising Action

9. 3. Climax
• This is the turning point of the story. Usually the
main character comes face to face with a conflict
and a lot of action takes place..

10. Finding Nemo:
The search for Nemo intersects with Nemo’s own adventures in the
dentist’s office. Nemo escapes, with some help from Gill, but Marlin
thinks Nemo is dead.
3. Climax

11. 4. Falling Action
• All loose ends of
the plot are tied
up. The conflict(s)
and climax are
taken care of.

12. Finding Nemo:
Nemo tries to save Dori when she is caught in the fishing net. He tells the fish to
swim down. Marlin learns to trust his son.
4. Falling Action

13. 5. Resolution
• The story comes
to a reasonable
ending.

14. Finding Nemo:
• Marlin finally tells his whole joke.
• Marlin is no longer overprotective of his son.
• Nemo is confident and happy.
NOT examples of the resolution:
• “And they lived happily ever after.”
• “And he never made the same mistake again.”
5. Resolution

15. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of
Story
Middle of Story
End of Story