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.
While returning from a victory in battle with his prizes Hippolyta and Emelye, Theseus, the Duke of Athens, is asked to resolve a conflict with Creon, the King of Thebes. He wins two hostages, Palamon and Arcite, and locks them in a tower.
Arcite and Palamon see Emelye in the garden outside of their tower, and instantly fall in love with her.
Arcite is set free and Palamon escapes. They both cannot leave Athens for long without being drawn back to Emelye. They challenge each other to a duel and are discovered by Theseus, who plans a final tournament for them a year hence, between each man and their respective armies.
Both men ask for help from the gods before the battle, which causes a conflict between Mars and Venus. Jupiter, the king of the gods, resolves this by having Arcite win the battle, but being thrown from his horse and gravely injured.
On his deathbed, Arcite tells Emelye that she should marry Palamon, a worthy knight.
All of Athens grieves for Arcite’s death, and then Palamon and Emelye are married in a joyous ceremony, which Theseus arranges.
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Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of one of the Canterbury Tales.
Facilitate a student-centered discussion to explore the story's key themes. Prepare open-ended questions about love, fate, and chivalry to spark critical thinking and personal connections. Encourage students to use evidence from the text and their plot diagrams during the conversation.
State what you want students to achieve, such as identifying major themes or connecting the tale to their own experiences. Clear objectives keep everyone focused and make the discussion more meaningful.
Write questions that invite more than a yes/no answer. For example, ask, “What does the story suggest about the power of fate?” or “How do Palamon and Arcite’s choices shape their destinies?” This encourages deeper thinking and participation.
Use strategies like think-pair-share or small group discussions before sharing ideas with the whole class. Inclusive participation helps quieter students build confidence and ensures a range of perspectives.
Ask students how the story’s themes relate to their own experiences or current events. Personal connections make the lesson more relevant and memorable.
A plot diagram for 'The Knight's Tale' maps out the story's key events using six stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students visualize the narrative structure and better understand the main plot points.
To teach students to create a plot diagram, have them break the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Students should draw or select images representing each part and write brief descriptions to reinforce understanding.
Storyboards visually organize the sequence of events, making it easier for students to grasp how a story unfolds and how each plot stage connects. This method supports comprehension and retention of literary structure.
The main events are: Exposition (Theseus’s return and imprisonment of Palamon and Arcite), Conflict (both fall for Emelye), Rising Action (escape and duel), Climax (tournament and Arcite’s injury), Falling Action (Arcite's dying wish), and Resolution (Palamon and Emelye marry).
Ask students to look for the moment of greatest tension or turning point in the story. Instruct them to consider which event changes the outcome for the main characters, signaling the shift from rising action to falling action.