My child is very interested in writing short stories and I am looking for a resource to teach plot and character development. any ideas?

You didn't say how old your child is, but here are a few resources.

http://www.evan-moor.com/Search/Default.aspx?Search=how+to+write+a+story

and this free resource from nano wrimo

http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks

HTH

THis was mentioned in another post...maybe it would be something you might find helpful.

http://www.takerootandwrite.com/2010/05/reach-for-the-stars-fiction-writing-curriculum-review.html