The term PLOT LINE is composed of five crossword solutions: AXIS (4 letters), STORY (5 letters), ARC (3 letters), ESS (3 letters), XAXIS (5 letters) and YAXIS (5 letters). A plot line is a narrative structure that outlines the main events of a STORY. It is usually composed of an ARC, which is the overall shape of the STORY, and an AXIS, which is the main conflict or theme. The STORY is then broken down into smaller elements such as the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution, which are often referred to as the ESS of the plot line. The X and Y axes are used to represent the plot line graphically, with the X AXIS representing the passage of time and the Y AXIS representing the intensity of the STORY.