Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures. Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Cinder. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Exposition: Cinder is a 16 year old cyborg mechanic who lives with her horrible stepmother and stepsisters in New Beijing. The country is plagued with a deadly disease called letumosis, for which there is no cure. Cinder meets Prince Kai, who is heir to the throne, and her whole life begins to change.
Rising Action: Kai’s father, the emperor, and Cinder’s stepsister, Peony, die of the disease. Cinder learns that she is a Lunar, and is therefore immune to the disease. She also learns of Queen Levana’s plan to take over the commonwealth, and eventually the whole planet by forcing Kai to marry her and then kill him, making her the empress.
Climax: At Kai’s coronation ball, Kai discovers that Cinder is a cyborg and a Lunar. During an altercation, Queen Levana tries to brainwash Cinder into shooting herself, but she shoots at the ceiling instead and feels intense pain.
Falling Action: While trying to run away, Cinder’s foot becomes detached and she falls to the ground. Emperor Kai has her taken into custody until Queen Levana can have her taken away to Luna.
Resolution: Dr. Erland uses his powers to see Cinder while she is in prison. He brings her a new hand and foot, and encourages her to escape and meet him in Africa. He tells Cinder that she is, indeed, Princess Selene.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of Cinder.
Student Instructions:
Spark student interest by adding interactive and creative twists to your plot diagram lessons. When students use art, digital tools, or even role-play, they’re more likely to connect with the story structure and remember key events.
Use online storyboard tools or graphic organizers to help students create visually engaging plot diagrams. Digital platforms can make it easy for students to add images, text, and even audio, encouraging creative expression and tech skills.
Offer choices for students to depict plot events—drawing, writing, acting, or using multimedia. Choice empowers students and ensures everyone can participate in a way that works best for them.
Organize a gallery walk or digital showcase where students present their plot diagrams to classmates. Peer feedback promotes deeper thinking and helps students refine their understanding of story structure.
Encourage students to relate events from the plot to real-life challenges or current events. This step helps students see the relevance of literary structures and fosters critical thinking.
A plot diagram for Cinder by Marissa Meyer outlines the story's main events: Exposition (Cinder's life as a cyborg in New Beijing), Rising Action (her discoveries about her identity and Queen Levana's plan), Climax (the confrontation at the coronation ball), Falling Action (Cinder's arrest), and Resolution (Cinder learns she is Princess Selene and plans her escape).
Students can create a visual plot diagram for Cinder by dividing the story into six parts: Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. They should use images and short descriptions to represent each major event or turning point in the story.
The main events in Cinder include Cinder's life as a mechanic and cyborg, the outbreak of letumosis, Cinder meeting Prince Kai, the deaths of the emperor and Peony, Cinder's discovery of her Lunar identity, Queen Levana's plot, the climactic ball scene, Cinder's arrest, and the revelation that she is Princess Selene.
Making a plot diagram helps students identify key story elements, understand literary structure, and remember important events in Cinder, which enhances comprehension and engagement with the novel.
Each part of a Cinder plot diagram should include: Exposition (setting and characters), Rising Action (key conflicts and discoveries), Climax (the turning point), Falling Action (events after the climax), and Resolution (how the story concludes).