King Arthur Plot Diagram

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 book in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Example King Arthur Plot Diagram

Exposition

Arthur, son of the Late King Uther Pendragon, pulls a sword from a stone. This act proves that he is the rightful king of England. At sixteen, Arthur is crowned king and Merlin becomes one of his most valuable advisers.

Conflict

Arthur's half-sister, Morgana Le Fay, threatens Camelot and Arthur with sorcery. After facing many battles to protect his throne, Arthur must defend his throne and prove that he is worthy of leading Camelot and England. He battles all of the would-be kings and nearly falls, but for the aid of Merlin’s magic. Morgana’s evil works against Arthur in the battles, but Merlin is more powerful.

Rising Action

King Arthur institutes the Knights of the Round Table after marrying Guinevere. Only the most worthy of knights may sit at the enormous table created by Merlin. Sir Lancelot becomes one of the mightiest champions for Queen Guinevere. Also, Arthur and Guinevere foster Mordred, the son of Arthur and his half-sister Morgana Le Fay.

Climax

Morgana tells Mordred that Arthur is his father and that Mordred is heir to the Camelot throne. Morgana poisons his mind against his father. Mordred begins to conjure up ways to destroy Arthur and claim the throne for himself. Mordred and Morgana plan to strike while many of the knights are on a quest for the Holy Grail.

Falling Action

Mordred is able to prove that Lancelot and Guinevere are having an affair. Arthur is heartbroken. Guinevere is sentenced to burn at the stake, but is saved by Lancelot.

Resolution

Mordred and Arthur wind up in a vicious battle. Though Arthur succeeds at killing Mordred and foiling Morgana’s plan, Arthur, too, is mortally wounded and so ends the fairy-tale existence of Camelot, Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Student Instructions

Create a visual plot diagram of King Arthur.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
3. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
4. Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.