Elements of Plot
Conflicts
"Thank you, Ma'm"
Sequence of Events in Thank You, M'am
More "Thank You, M'am"
100

The highest point in the story, where a character makes a choice or decision that changes the outcome of the story. The reader wonders what will happen next.

What is the climax?

100
The two major categories of conflict.
What are Internal and External?
100
When Roger fell, Mrs.Jones kicked him in this part of his body.
What is his blue-jean sitter?
100
Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse OR Roger told Mrs. Jones he wanted a pair of blue suede shoes.
What is Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse.
100
This is the setting of "Thank You, M'am"
What is a street corner in a southern city at 11pm?
200

The point at which the reader learns background information about the characters and setting.

What is the exposition?

200

"It´s a Truffula Seed. It´s the last one of all! You´re in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds. And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs. Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack. Then the Lorax and all of his friends may come back." The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

What is External Conflict: Character vs. Nature?

200
Mrs.Jones picked up Roger by this part of the clothing.
What is his shirtfront?
200
Mrs. Jones asks Roger if he's ashamed of himself OR Mrs. Jones drags Roger home
What is Mrs. Jones asks Roger if he's ashamed of himself
200

Mrs. Jones took Roger home because of this.

What is she recognized that he was poor and needed her help?  - Or -  What is she had done similar things when she was young?

300

The point where conflict begins and the story is set in motion.

What is the inciting incident?

300

“I’m tired of living in a hole,” said Jenny. “Let’s fight for freedom!” cried Bouncer. “We’ll be soldiers! Rough-riding Rowdies! I’ll be the general and commander-in-chief!”

What is External Conflict: Character vs. Society

300
Roger tried to steal Mrs.Jones's pocket book because wanted these.
What are blue suede shoes?
300
Mrs. Jones and Roger eat supper OR Mrs. Jones confesses she stole too.
What is Mrs. Jones confesses she stole too.
300

To say something other than "Thank You."

What did Roger want at the very end of the story?

400

The end of the story is near and conflicts are wrapped up.

What is resolution?

400

"Roger looked at the door - looked at the woman - looked at the door -...."

What is internal conflict?

400
Mrs.Jones gives Roger this much money to Roger at the end of the story.
What is ten dollars ($10)?
400
Mrs. Jones closes the door before Roger can say "Thank You, M'am" OR Mrs. Jones gives Roger $10.
What is Mrs. Jones gives Roger $10.
400
Roger changes when this happens.
What is he decides he wants Mrs. Jones to trust him?
500
The sequence of events that follow the major decision of the character in the story.
What is falling action?
500

Roger ran up behind Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and tried to steal her purse. She kicked the boy and shook him.

What is External Conflict: Character vs. Character?

500
Mrs.Jones said this to Roger when she gave him the ten dollars.
What is "shoes come by devilish like that will burn your feet?"
500
Roger washes his face OR Mrs. Jones told Roger she wasn't going to take him to jail
What is Mrs. Jones told Roger she wasn't going to take him to jail
500
The climax of "Thank You, M'am" is when this happens.
What is Roger decides to do what he is told and washes his face instead of running away?
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