Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
Exposition
Write This Down
Charlie's writing like a maniac to make sure he remembers everything, just like Dr. Strauss told him to. See, he's going to finally get smart after going through this experimental surgery. Right now, he's just plain Charlie: thirty-two years old, a bakery employee, and a student at the Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults.
Rising Action
Here Comes Smarty-Pants
Charlie got the surgery, but things aren't exactly hunky-dory yet—it's hard work to get smart, just like your momma done told ya. And it turns out there's no how-to manual for life, or how-to-date-your-former-teacher-turned-crush manual either. To make things worse, that dratted mouse Algernon seems to always be one step ahead of everything Charlie does.
Climax
We've Got Trouble
Charlie flies the coop with Algernon when he's supposed to be the main event at a fancy conference. Sure Charlie can quote Shakespeare, but can he survive on the streets of the Big Apple? And if that's not stressful enough, something major is up with Algernon. Our friendly mouse friend isn't nearly as bright as he used to be, which means there might be a flaw in the experiment.
Falling Action
Back to the Lab
After a triumphant return to the lab, Charlie has a revelation about the experiment. Unfortunately, that means his intelligence is available for a limited time only. How's he going to keep being brainy and cope with Algernon's untimely death?
Resolution
Won't You Give Him Some Flowers?
With no way to stop his old self from returning, Charlie accepts his fate. But hey, at least he gets one last chance at romance with the lovely Alice. All Charlie wants to be truly at peace is for someone to put flowers on Algernon's grave. Won't you please?