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.
Tom Walker and his wife are described as miserly and bitter towards each others. The couple even goes as far as hiding money from each other.
Tom Walker is approached by the Devil to make a deal with him. He offers Tom pirate treasure, buried nearby; this will make him very wealthy.
Tom goes home to think about the deal. His wife urges him to do it, and he spites her by refusing. She goes into the woods herself to take the deal and doesn't return. With his wife gone, Tom revisits the Devil's pact and becomes a usurer in Boston.
Tom becomes very wealthy, but begins to worry about his soul. He regrets the deal and tries to repent by reading the Bible and attending church, but he remains in his nefarious business. While Tom argues with a debtor, there come three loud knocks at his door!
The devil arrives to collect his due: Tom's soul.
The people of Boston appointed a board to oversee Tom's estate. However, when they looked for all the money he had made, there was nothing left. Legend remains that to this day, the black horse and a figure in a white cap can be seen on the marsh, "which is doubtless the troubled spirit of the usurer."
(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 Devil and Tom Walker".
Boost engagement by having students analyze characters visually. Character storyboards help students make deeper connections and enhance comprehension by representing traits, motivations, and changes over time.
Assign each student or group a character from “The Devil and Tom Walker”. Encourage students to focus on Tom, his wife, and the Devil for meaningful analysis.
Ask students to find direct evidence from the text showing their character’s personality and goals. Prompt them to note quotes, actions, and interactions that define the character.
Direct students to make at least three storyboard cells for their character: one for the beginning, one for a major change, and one for the end. Students should illustrate and describe each stage using both images and brief captions.
Invite students to share and discuss their storyboards. Encourage thoughtful comparisons about how each character changes and what motivates their decisions throughout the story.
A plot diagram for 'The Devil and Tom Walker' visually outlines the key events in the story, typically using six stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand how the narrative unfolds and highlights major turning points.
Students can create a plot diagram by dividing the story into six parts—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—and illustrating each stage with a scene and description, either by hand or using digital tools like Storyboard That.
The main events include the introduction of Tom and his wife (Exposition), Tom's deal with the Devil (Conflict), his wife's disappearance and Tom's new occupation (Rising Action), Tom's regret and the Devil's arrival (Climax), Tom being taken by the Devil (Falling Action), and the mysterious disappearance of his wealth (Resolution).
Using a plot diagram helps students visualize the structure of the story, understand the sequence of events, and analyze literary elements like conflict and resolution, making the narrative easier to comprehend and discuss.
Tips for making an effective plot diagram include: using clear illustrations for each plot stage, writing concise descriptions, focusing on key moments, and encouraging creativity with digital tools or art supplies to engage students.