Plot Diagram Practice

Plot Diagram Practice

Read the instructions for each section carefully and answer all questions to the best of your ability.

The Old Lighthouse Keeper

Old Thomas had been the lighthouse keeper on the isolated Black Rock for over forty years. His days were a rhythmic cycle of polishing the lamp, charting the weather, and maintaining the lonely tower. His only companion was a grumpy seagull he called 'Squawk'. One blustery autumn evening, a fierce storm rolled in, unlike any Thomas had seen before. The waves crashed against the rock with terrifying force, and the wind howled like a banshee. Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning struck the top of the lighthouse, plunging the lamp into darkness. Thomas, despite his age, knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart and a flickering lantern, he began the perilous climb up the spiral staircase, battling the wind and rain that now lashed through the shattered lantern room window. He reached the top, his old bones aching, and began to manually spin the backup lamp, its beam cutting through the inky blackness just in time to guide a small fishing trawler away from the treacherous reefs. Exhausted but triumphant, Thomas watched the trawler disappear into the night, knowing he had once again fulfilled his duty.

1. Identify the Exposition in the story 'The Old Lighthouse Keeper'.

2. What is the Inciting Incident that sets the main conflict in motion?

3. The rising action in 'The Old Lighthouse Keeper' includes Thomas's perilous climb up the   and battling the   and rain.

4. The climax of the story occurs when Thomas manages to   the backup lamp to guide the  .

5. Which of the following best describes the Falling Action of the story?

6. The Resolution of the story is when Thomas decides to retire after the storm.

7. Think of a short story you know (e.g., a fairy tale, a movie plot). Briefly describe its main conflict and how it is resolved.