Plot Diagram for Stuart Little

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 Stuart Little Plot Diagram

Exposition

Stuart is a mouse born to a caring human family. Even though he is very different from the rest of his family, he uses his size to his advantage. He helps find his mother’s mother’s ring down a drain.

Conflict

Snowbell, the cat, causes trouble for Stuart. When Stuart gets stuck in a window shade, he places Stuart's hat and cane at a mouse hole. The Littles were very upset to find that Stuart had left. Luckily, George found Stuart before too long.

Rising Action

The Little family adopt a wounded bird named, Margalo. A true friendship is formed between Stuart and Margalo.

Climax

Snowbell's friend Angora threatens the life of Margalo and she flees without telling Stuart. Stuart is very distraught at her departure.

Falling Action

Stuart sets off on a quest in a toy car to find Margalo. He stops in a town called Ames Crossing and meets a girl his own size, Harriet Ames. He invites her on a date, but his plans are ruined and he is inconsolable.

Resolution

He has not yet found his friend Margalo, but he feels confident that he can. Stuart drives north, knowing he is going in the right direction.

Student Instructions

Create a visual plot diagram of Stuart Little.

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