Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflicts.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different types of conflicts strengthens analytical thinking about literary concepts. Have your students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict them using the storyboard creator. In the storyboard, an example of each conflict should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene, and how it fits the particular category of conflict.
Catherine has conflicts with a number of people around her on a daily basis. She consistently quarrels with her brother Robert when he is around. She insults him, and he generally responds by pinching her.
Catherine frequently rebels against the expectations of her society. Catherine hates the limits that Medieval society placed on women and noblewomen in particular. Much of her unhappiness comes from the ladylike chores she must complete and the arranged marriage she is expected to accept.
After Catherine's mother gives birth to a baby girl, she faces complications and nearly dies. Although Mother is the one facing death at the hands of nature, Catherine, too, is in conflict with nature since the illness also impacts her life negatively.
Catherine struggles to develop a sense of identity. She does not feel like she fits in with the life that is expected of her, so she tries to imagine alternative options. None of these seem to suit her, however, and she spends months feeling miserable and unsettled.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in Catherine, Called Birdy.
Encourage students to think of specific moments in Catherine, Called Birdy where a character faces a challenge. This helps students connect literary conflict to the story and deepens comprehension.
Ask students to label each scenario as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Self. This builds critical analysis skills and clarifies the differences between conflict types.
Show your class how to break down a conflict into visual elements. Demonstrate choosing key characters, setting, and actions for each storyboard cell to bring the conflict to life.
Have students write a short description below each storyboard cell. Guide them to explain why the scene fits a particular conflict type, reinforcing evidence-based reasoning.
Invite students to share their storyboards. Facilitate a discussion on how each scene illustrates conflict and explore alternative interpretations for deeper understanding.
The main types of literary conflict in Catherine, Called Birdy are Character vs. Character (Catherine vs. her brother), Character vs. Society (Catherine vs. societal expectations), Character vs. Nature (dealing with illness after childbirth), and Character vs. Self (Catherine's struggle with her identity).
To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students select examples of each conflict from Catherine, Called Birdy, illustrate them in storyboard cells, and write brief explanations of how each scene fits its conflict type. This visual approach strengthens students’ understanding and analytical skills.
An example of Character vs. Society in Catherine, Called Birdy is Catherine rebelling against the expectations placed on women in Medieval society, such as resisting ladylike chores and the pressure of an arranged marriage.
Understanding conflict helps readers see how characters grow and what challenges they face. In Catherine, Called Birdy, conflicts drive the plot and reveal Catherine’s personality and struggles, deepening comprehension and engagement.
The literary conflict activity for Catherine, Called Birdy is best suited for middle schoolers, especially grades 6–8, as it develops analytical thinking and literary understanding appropriate for this age group.