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 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. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Theseus is born to Aethra and Aegeus. His father leaves his sword and sandals under a rock for Theseus to find when he is older.
After retrieving his father's sword, Theseus goes to Athens where the Marathon Bull kills a visiting prince from Crete. [Some versions say Androgeus was assassinated by jealous rivals because he was successful in the Olympic Games.] Athens and Crete go to war. Crete is victorious.
An oracle tells Athens to satisfy Minos' demands: Athens must submit fourteen young people every nine years to Knossos. Theseus volunteers as tribute to Crete, as one of the seven youths and seven maidens that Minos requires.
Ariadne, a princess in Crete, falls in love with Theseus. With the help of Daedalus, she tells Theseus to use a spool of thread to find his way. Theseus enters the labyrinth.
Theseus defeats the Minotaur and escapes.
Though Theseus won the day, tragedy strikes. Theseus forgot to change the sails from black to white. His father jumped off the cliff into the ocean from grief, thinking the mission had not been successful.
(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 the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
Boost student engagement by adding creative writing prompts alongside each stage of the plot diagram. Encourage students to imagine alternative events, character motivations, or endings to deepen their understanding of the story structure and spark original thinking.
Show students how to break down a story by creating a sample plot diagram together. Walk through each narrative stage so students can see exactly what is expected before working independently.
Pair students to exchange and review each other's plot diagrams. Guide them to provide positive feedback and constructive suggestions to help their peers recognize strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Invite students to compare the plot structure of Theseus and the Minotaur with a different myth or story. Highlight similarities and differences to reinforce understanding of narrative elements across genres.
Showcase finished storyboards on a bulletin board or digital platform. Use them as a springboard for whole-class discussion to celebrate creativity and analyze key story moments together.
A plot diagram for Theseus and the Minotaur visually outlines the story's key events: Exposition (Theseus's origins), Conflict (the Minotaur and tribute), Rising Action (Theseus volunteers), Climax (entering the labyrinth), Falling Action (defeating the Minotaur), and Resolution (his father's tragic end). It helps students understand literary structure.
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the myth into six parts—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—then illustrating and describing each scene. Using tools like Storyboard That makes this activity interactive and easy to follow.
The major events include: Theseus discovering his heritage, Athens losing to Crete, Theseus volunteering as tribute, receiving help from Ariadne, defeating the Minotaur, and the tragic return home. Each event fits a part of the plot diagram.
Using a plot diagram helps students break down complex Greek myths, making it easier to identify key events, understand the narrative structure, and retain essential details. It’s especially effective for visual learners in grades 6–12.
Effective tips include: using visual storyboards, encouraging group discussion of each plot part, comparing this myth to others, and assigning creative projects like rewriting the ending. These strategies make the lesson engaging and memorable for students.