ECRACFAR
The main character central to the plot
Protagonist
This is a struggle that takes place within a character's mind.
Internal Conflict
The narrator is a character and the pronouns, I, me, my, and mine are used. We find out only what this character knows, thinks, and witnesses.
First Person
A series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a story.
rising action
A character is in conflict with an animal, weather, or natural disaster.
Character vs. Nature
Where the story comes to a satisfactory end and where you learn what happens to the characters after the conflict is resolved.
Resolution
A struggle between a character and an outside force.
External Conflict
The narrator is not a character in the story. The narrator can see into this character's mind, but not any of the other characters.
Third Person Limited
Wraps up the story, resolves the loose ends, and leads towards closure in a story.
Falling Action
A character has a conflict with a god or gods or some unforeseen force.
Character vs. Fate
The main problem in the story.
Complication
This is when a character has a struggle with one or more of the characters.
Character vs. Character
The narrator is not a character in the story. They use the pronouns: he, his, she, hers, it, its, they, and them. The narrator is an observer who can only tell what is said and done.
Third Person Objective
You would find the back stories on the characters in this section of ECRACFAR.
Exposition
Name the conflict: A hiker is on the Appalachian trail and encounters a black bear.
Man vs. Nature
The setting, characters, and background information of the story.
Exposition
A character has a problem with the police, school authority, the law, or any tradition.
Character vs. Society
Name the point of view: I looked at my golden retriever and knew that she was excited and ready for a walk.
First person
This is sometimes referred to as the "crisis" point in the plot.
Climax
Name the conflict: A man is speeding down Orange Grove Drive and is pulled over by the police and receives a ticket.
Man vs. Society
The turning point or or most exciting part of a story.
Climax
A character has a struggle within himself or herself.
Character vs. Self
Name the Point of View: "Jason was very grateful for the time he spent with his grandma. Knowing her would treasure his memories of her for as long as he lived."
Third Person Limited
This is what ECRACFAR stands for.
E= Exposition, C = Complication; RA = Rising Action; C= Climax; FA = Falling Action; R= Resolution
Which type of Point of View? The narrator is not a character in the story and is all-knowing, and can see into the minds of others.
Third Person Omnisicient