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 Divergent.
Encourage students to share their interpretations of each plot stage in small groups before class discussion. This builds confidence and helps them engage more deeply with the story and each other.
Ask students to find specific quotes or passages from the text that support their choices for each plot diagram cell. This reinforces close reading skills and ensures their storyboard is grounded in the novel.
Suggest that students illustrate key character emotions in their scenes, not just actions. This deepens understanding of character development and motivations throughout the plot.
Demonstrate summarizing techniques by creating a sample description for one plot stage. Highlight how to capture essential details without retelling the entire chapter.
Have students exchange storyboards and provide constructive feedback on clarity and completeness. This collaborative step helps students reflect and improve their work before final submission.
A plot diagram for Divergent visually maps the story's key events, following the structure of Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students break down major moments and understand the narrative arc of Veronica Roth's novel.
Teachers can assign students to create a six-cell storyboard illustrating each part of the plot diagram for Divergent. This activity reinforces literary structure, improves comprehension, and encourages visual storytelling, making lessons more engaging for grades 6–12.
The six main parts of a plot diagram are: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each part helps students analyze and understand the progression of a story.
Creating a plot diagram helps students visualize the structure of Divergent, making it easier to identify key events, analyze character decisions, and understand how conflict and resolution shape the story.
The best way is to have students read Divergent and then use a step-by-step storyboard activity to illustrate each plot part. Providing examples, guiding questions, and encouraging group discussion can make the lesson interactive and effective.