Plot elements in reading

In the setup portion of the plot, the author sets the stage. Important characters are introduced and the setting in shown to the reader, but nothing really interesting is happening, this is a description of what normal is for the characters.

In the inciting incident, something dramatic happens to the characters that puts the events of the story in motion. This is a relatively short portion of any book, but is very important.

The rising action is where the characters are trying to fix the problems that the inciting incident caused or revealed. Tension in this part of the book is increasing as it seems like things are getting worse and worse for the main characters.

This is the most tense and dramatic part of the story. Think of it like a boss fight in a game. You aren't sure if your heroes are going to make it and all hope may seem to be lost before they finally succeed.

After the climax things are being put back to right. The main problems in the story are mostly solved.

This is the happily ever after. Everything wrong is corrected and the main characters are back to their normal lives.