Plot Diagram Name:_________________ Period:______

Directions: On the plot diagram map, label and define its parts. On the table below the plot diagram map, provide evidence from the short story.

Short Story Title: “The Elevator” Author: William Sleator

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Setting: Urban, Martin is afraid of Fat lady pushes There is none in There is none in
elevators; fat lady
big city makes him
the button to this story this story
1980 – 2000 uncomfortable; his close elevator,
Characters: father puts him smiles, and calls
Martin, fat lady, down; he fractures Martin by name
his leg and has to
Martin’s dad take the elevator
Directions: Find evidence from the story of each term. Then, fill in the appropriate information in each box. Make sure to include page numbers to document
your evidence if necessary. Although you should fill the boxes as completely as possible, you may not have something to put in each box.

Character Characterization and Conflict Motivation and Figures of Speech Irony, Point of View,
Setting Theme etc.
Protagonist Characters What is the major conflict Define motivation. Similes Are there examples of
in the story? irony in the story?
Martin Martin Drive or push to reach a
Martin’s father Martin is afraid of goal.
The fat lady elevators and doesn’t Metaphors
want to be in one with
the fat lady.

Antagonist Setting How is the conflict Motivation of the Personification What is the point of view
resolved? protagonist of story?
Martin’s father Urban, big city
The fat lady Contemporary (1980 – We don’t know…the story Trying to please his dad Third person
2000) has a surprise ending.

Dynamic or Static Direct Characterization Examples of External Motivation of the Hyperboles Give examples of
Characters Conflicts antagonist foreshadowing or
flashbacks in the story.
All the characters are Martin vs. his father We don’t know why the
static; nobody changes; Martin vs. the fat lady fat lady is “stalking” him When Greg is forced to
the focus is on the plot or why his dad doesn’t ride the elevator, the
and not the characters. seem to care about his reader thinks something
fear. is going to happen.

Flat or Round Characters Indirect Characterization Examples of Internal Theme Oxymoron

Conflicts Don’t let your fears get
Martin is more round the best of you
than the others Martin’s fear of elevators