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. In this activity, students will create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc of an Egyptian myth. Students should identify major turning points in the myth such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Exposition: The Death of Osiris: Osiris is tricked by his jealous brother Set, to get into a coffin that was specially made for him. When Osiris gets inside, Set closes it and throws it into the Nile. Set had hoped to become the new ruler of all of Egypt.
Conflict: Set is so jealous of Osiris that he is willing to do anything to kill him and become the new ruler.
Rising Action: Isis and Nephthys secretly plot together to find Osiris, and when Isis does, he is dead. Isis brings back his body and hides it while she thinks of a way to resurrect him from the dead.
Climax: Set finds the body, dismembers it, and spreads the body parts all over Egypt.
Falling Action: With help, Isis finds all of Osiris’ body parts except one. Since Osiris was incomplete, he wasn’t able to be resurrected, but became the ruler of Duat, the realm of the dead.
Resolution: Before Osiris goes to reside in Duat, Isis becomes pregnant with their son, Horus, who would one day avenge his father’s death.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for an Egyptian myth.
Student Instructions:
Invite students to work in small groups to create a plot diagram for an Egyptian myth. Collaboration encourages discussion, boosts engagement, and helps students deepen their understanding as they explain story parts to one another.
Designate each student a specific role (e.g., researcher, illustrator, writer, presenter). Defined roles keep everyone involved and develop teamwork and responsibility.
Have each group select a myth not already discussed in class. This variety broadens knowledge of Egyptian mythology and encourages independent exploration.
Encourage students to identify key plot points—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—through group discussion and research. This supports critical thinking and collaboration.
Guide groups in illustrating each plot stage using drawings or digital tools. Visualizing the story helps students grasp literary structure and fosters creativity.
Ask each group to share their plot diagram and explain their choices. Presentations build confidence, reinforce learning, and expose classmates to different myths.
To create a plot diagram for an Egyptian myth, break the story into key parts: Title, Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Have students illustrate each part with images and write a brief description. This helps students understand narrative structure and major events.
The main parts of a plot diagram are: Exposition (background), Conflict (main problem), Rising Action (events building tension), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (events after climax), and Resolution (ending or outcome).
A plot diagram helps students visualize the structure of myths, making it easier to identify key events and understand character motivations. It also reinforces comprehension and critical thinking skills when exploring Egyptian mythology.
An example plot diagram for an Egyptian myth is the story of Osiris and Set: Exposition (Osiris is tricked by Set), Conflict (Set’s jealousy), Rising Action (Isis searches for Osiris), Climax (Set dismembers Osiris), Falling Action (Isis recovers most parts), Resolution (Osiris becomes ruler of Duat; Horus is born).
This activity is designed for grades 6–12. It helps reinforce literary structures and engages students with creative and analytical tasks appropriate for middle and high school learners.