A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop 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. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket”.
Enhance your plot diagram lesson by adding a character analysis element. Character analysis helps students connect with the story on a deeper level and supports critical thinking.
Choose main or supporting characters and have students focus on their development during each plot stage. This encourages close reading and helps students notice changes and motivations.
Ask students to summarize how their assigned character behaves and feels during the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This builds empathy and comprehension.
Encourage students to create images or symbols in each storyboard cell that reflect their character’s experience during each plot point. Visuals make abstract ideas concrete.
Lead a class or group conversation about how the plot’s events drive character change. This reflection deepens understanding and ties together literary elements.
A plot diagram for 'Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket' visually outlines the story’s main events using six stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and the flow of the story.
Students can create a visual plot diagram by dividing the story into six key parts and illustrating each stage with images and descriptions. Tools like Storyboard That make it easy to organize scenes and explain each plot point clearly.
To make a plot diagram, separate the story into: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, create an image or description that captures the main event, helping students visualize and summarize the story’s progression.
Teaching plot structure helps students understand how stories are built, recognize key events, and improve their reading comprehension. It also prepares them to analyze and write their own narratives effectively.
The best way is to have students create a storyboard or plot diagram that captures each major event in the story. This visual approach reinforces comprehension and helps students remember the sequence of events.