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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley/plot-diagram
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(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 Frankenstein.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 9-12)
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Lesson Plan Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 Frankenstein.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 9-12)
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about Frankenstein Plot Diagram and Summary
1
Plan engaging class discussions using your plot diagram
Boost student participation by using your plot diagram as a springboard for thought-provoking, whole-class conversations. Discuss each plot stage and encourage students to share their interpretations and questions.
2
Assign roles for collaborative plot diagram creation
Increase teamwork by dividing students into small groups and assigning each group a specific plot element. Have groups illustrate and explain their section, then combine the pieces for a complete class diagram.
3
Incorporate character analysis into each plot stage
Deepen understanding by having students note how Victor Frankenstein and the Creature change during each plot event. Add character thoughts or emotions to the storyboard cells for richer analysis.
4
Connect literary themes to plot moments
Highlight key themes by asking students to identify and label where themes like ambition, isolation, or responsibility appear in the plot. This helps students link narrative structure to deeper ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frankenstein Plot Diagram and Summary
What is a plot diagram for Frankenstein?
A plot diagram for Frankenstein visually outlines the main events of Mary Shelley's novel using the elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each part helps students identify and understand key moments in the story’s structure.
How can I teach Frankenstein's plot to high school students easily?
Use a six-cell storyboard to break down Frankenstein’s plot into simple sections. Have students create images and short descriptions for each part: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This visual approach makes the story more accessible and engaging for high schoolers.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram in literature?
The main parts of a plot diagram are: Exposition (introduction), Conflict (problem), Rising Action (events building tension), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (events leading to resolution), and Resolution (conclusion).
What is an example of a storyboard activity for Frankenstein?
A Frankenstein storyboard activity asks students to create a six-panel comic, with each panel representing a key plot stage. For each stage, students illustrate a scene and add a brief description, reinforcing their understanding of the novel’s structure.
Why use visual plot diagrams in teaching classic literature?
Visual plot diagrams help students organize story events, recognize literary structure, and improve comprehension. They make complex classics like Frankenstein more approachable and support a variety of learning styles in the classroom.
More Storyboard That Activities
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley/plot-diagram
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
