Let's Learn About Story Writing in English! | Plot Mountain | The Story Writing Song & More!
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Use the Five W’s—who, what, where, when, and why—to anchor characters, events, location, timing, and motivation before plotting.
Briefing
Story writing in English starts with a simple but strict checklist: the “Five W’s”—who, what, where, when, and why. The framework matters because it forces writers to anchor a narrative in concrete details before building anything else. “Who” identifies the characters (a grandma, a dog, or even “you”). “What” names the event or object at the center of the story (a birthday party, a fish caught). “Where” places the action in a specific location (a bedroom at the beach, or “over there”). “When” pins down timing (“this morning,” “on Tuesday,” or “back then”). “Why” supplies motivation and purpose—missing the bus, wanting to fly, or any reason that drives the plot forward.
From there, the story takes shape using a mountain-shaped plot structure called “Plot Mountain.” The introduction describes characters and settings—covering who, what, when, and where—so readers know who they’re following and what world they’re entering. Rising action then begins the journey upward, where the plot starts and conflict appears. That conflict can be internal (a character wrestling with themselves) or external (arguments, dramatic natural events, or problems in the world). The climb continues until the climax, the highest point of intensity, where the biggest problem must be faced and a turning point is reached. After that peak, falling action carries the story downhill toward “flat ground,” slowing the momentum while lingering problems resolve. Finally, the resolution brings the story to an end by answering the earlier conflicts—unless a sequel or part two is planned, in which case readers are left with a new question about what happens next.
Strong stories also depend on character, setting, point of view, and theme. Characters include a protagonist (the main character readers follow) and an antagonist (the opposing force). Imperfection is encouraged: flaws make characters relatable and help explain their motivations as they grow. Setting isn’t just background; it shapes the atmosphere and influences what characters think and say—think a sunny island versus a dark forest filled with fear. Point of view determines who tells the tale: first person (“I see,” “I did,” “I felt”) versus third person (“he ran,” “she sang,” “they sat”). Theme adds the deeper lesson or big idea guiding the story’s direction, such as true friendship, courage in fear, choosing kindness over hate, or learning through loss and gain.
To keep a plot engaging, writers can add extra elements like subplots, foreshadowing clues, and pacing that prevents boredom. Supporting characters can also help the protagonist through challenges.
The transcript then shifts to a practical literacy lesson: how books are organized. It walks through the front cover, title, author, and illustrator (if present), then the title page, publisher and year, table of contents, and page numbers. It distinguishes chapter titles from the main text, notes that “pictures” can include illustrations, diagrams, and charts, and finishes by pointing out the back cover and the spine—key parts that help readers navigate a book.
Cornell Notes
The transcript lays out a step-by-step approach to writing stories in English. It begins with the Five W’s—who, what, where, when, and why—to ensure a story has clear characters, events, location, timing, and motivation. It then uses a “Plot Mountain” structure: introduction, rising action (conflict begins), climax (biggest problem and turning point), falling action (momentum slows), and resolution (conflicts are answered). Beyond plot, it emphasizes characters (protagonist vs. antagonist), setting (shapes mood and choices), point of view (first vs. third person), and theme (the lesson or big idea). Extra tools like subplots, foreshadowing, pacing, and supporting characters help keep the narrative interesting.
How do the Five W’s prevent a story from feeling vague or directionless?
What changes from rising action to climax in the Plot Mountain structure?
What job does falling action and resolution do after the climax?
How do protagonist and antagonist shape reader interest?
Why does setting matter beyond describing where characters stand?
What’s the difference between first-person and third-person point of view?
Review Questions
- Which Five W’s would you fill in first for a new story, and why?
- Place these events into Plot Mountain: conflict appears, the biggest problem is faced, the story slows down, and the ending resolves earlier conflicts.
- How would changing point of view from first person to third person likely change what readers feel or notice?
Key Points
- 1
Use the Five W’s—who, what, where, when, and why—to anchor characters, events, location, timing, and motivation before plotting.
- 2
Build the story with Plot Mountain: introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
- 3
Create conflict early in rising action, then escalate to a turning point at the climax.
- 4
Define a protagonist and an antagonist, and let character flaws drive growth and motivation.
- 5
Treat setting as more than background; it should shape mood, choices, and dialogue.
- 6
Choose a point of view (first or third person) to control the narrative voice and how readers experience events.
- 7
Strengthen engagement with subplots, foreshadowing, pacing, and supporting characters.