Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Ella Enchanted. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Exposition: Baby Ella was born into a wealthy family in the land of Frell. As all newborn babies do, she received a special gift from the fairy Lucinda; the gift of obedience. No matter what, Ella was to obey every command that was given to her, and she mustn’t tell anyone about her gift. As Ella gets older, she realizes that this isn’t quite the gift that it was intended to be: it was a curse.
Rising Action: When Ella’s mother dies, she is forced to go to finishing school with Hattie and Olive, and returns home after running away and attending a giant’s wedding, hoping to find Lucinda to reverse the curse. Her father marries Dame Olga and then leaves indefinitely. Dame Olga makes Ella a maid.
Climax: Ella attends Char’s three homecoming balls, disguised with a mask. Hattie rips off the mask and Ella runs, losing her glass slipper. She and Mandy prepare to run away.
Falling Action: Char arrives at Ella’s home and proposes to her. Ella says no, knowing that her curse would become a burden and a danger to Char. Because she refused the proposal, it is clear that Ella’s curse is broken.
Resolution: Ella and Char get married and Mandy lives with them as their cook. They live happily ever after.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of Ella Enchanted.
Student Instructions: