STORYLINE: The Sterling Legend: The Lost Dutchman’s Mine is a story that is over a hundred years old. Some still believe that the richest gold vein in the U.S. exists somewhere at Superstition Mountains located in the most formidable deserts of Arizona. Maps have been found to this rich gold vein in this treacherous landscape, and throughout history many have searched for the treasure, but all led to dead-ends and, well, to death itself.

PLOT: A map is discovered by two kids who should not be playing in an old abandoned mine located on “one” character’s property. The map is to the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. The “other” character is a descendant of the Jacob Walzer, the Dutchman who drew the map and buried it.

SETTING: Present day in a small town near Phoenix, Arizona

CONFLICT:

Both feel the treasure belongs to them. Both have the same goals: to find the treasure. Both have motives, besides “becoming rich.” Both are faced with a harsh wilderness of twisted and tortuous canyons, jagged peaks from 1,700 to 4,535 feet, wildlife, and of course…opposition.

CHARACTER: Each has a history that drives them. Each has a motive that drives them. Each has present circumstances in their life that drives them. Students create each character and determine what those three things are for each.

Resource: The Sterling Legend, by Estee Conatser

If students wish to continue this development into story:

MORE ON STORYLINE

Read, Write, Think

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=401

Reader’s Guide to Understanding

Plot Development

1. What is the conflict? How will writer present the problem between protagonist and antagonist?

2. What will readers learn in the exposition or introduction of the story?

3. What events are included in the rising action of the story?

4. What is the climax of the story?

5. What events are included in the falling action of the story?

6. How is the conflict resolved?

7. How does the writer use suspense in developing the plot of this story?