The plot in a novel refers to the sequence of events that make up the story and the way they are linked together.

There are several ways to help you remember the events that make up a story:

	Remember the pattern of events.
	Remember the sequence of events.
	Create your own mental pictures.
	Ask Wh-questions.

Pattern of Events

In this novel, all the key events follow a pattern. This pattern has several parts which make up the plot of the novel. The key events associated with each part are shown below:

Pattern	Key Events(s)
Exposition	A scorpion stings Coyotito. The doctor refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino not have any money. Later, Kino finds the greatest pearl in the world.
Rising Action	Three attempts are made to steal the pearl. The attempts fail but Kino kills one of his attackers in the third attempt. Juana blames the pearl for all their bad luck. She asks Kino to destroy the pearl or throw it back into the sea. Kino refuses. The pearl buyers agree among themselves not to offer Kino a good price for the pearl. Juana tries to throw the pearl into the sea. Kino stops her. Their house is burned and Kino's canoe is damaged. Kino decides to leave the village with Juana and Coyotito, They set out for the cities in the north.
Climax	Kino and Juana are followed by the trackers. One of the trackers accidentally kills Coyotito.
Falling Action	Kino kills the three trackers. Kino and Juana return to the village.
Resolution	Kino throws the pearl into the sea.

Sequence of Events

If you look at key events in the table, you will see that one event leads to another. This sequence of events is called the plot of the story.

Example

Kino finds the pearl ~ The pearl buyers try to cheat him. ~ He decides to sell the pearl in the capital

There are a number of ways to remember the sequence of events.

Mental Pictures

Creating a mental picture for each chapter helps you to remember the plot easily. When you 'see' the picture in your mind, you will recall the event it refers to. You may want to use the picture provided in the chapter summaries as a guide.

Wh-Questions

Asking yourself the following questions to test your understanding of the events in Chapter 1.

	What was the song Kino heard first thing in the morning?
	What did it mean?
	What happened to Coyotito?
	What did Juana and Kino do?
	Where did the doctor live?
	Why did the doctor refuse to treat the baby?
	What did Kino do when the doctor refused to treat the baby?

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