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 story 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.
The setting is the Carpathian woods on a snowy night.
Two men, Ulrich and Georg, involved in a family feud are out searching for one another when a tree falls on them, trapping them in the woods.
The men argue about whose servants will arrive first to save their master and kill the other man. After some time, Ulrich attempts to reconcile with Georg and offers some wine.
Georg accepts Ulrich’s offer to be friends, and the men reconcile.
They decide to call for help together.
No one will ever know the men have reconciled; instead of men coming to help them, a pack of wolves rush towards them.
(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 Interlopers".
Engage your class in teamwork by having students work together to create a plot diagram for "The Interlopers". Small groups allow for discussion, deeper analysis, and peer learning as students decide how to represent each plot element visually and textually.
Divide the six parts of the plot diagram among group members. Each student becomes an expert on their assigned story part, creating a scene and summary for their section. This ensures active participation and accountability.
Show sample plot diagrams and explain expectations for images and descriptions. Visual references help students understand quality and creativity standards, making the task less intimidating and more accessible.
Encourage students to discuss their choices and give each other constructive feedback. Collaborating on revisions deepens comprehension and helps students refine both their visuals and written explanations.
Have each group present their completed plot diagram to the class. Reflect together on different creative interpretations and discuss how working as a team improved understanding of the story and plot structure.
A plot diagram for "The Interlopers" visually breaks down the story into key stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and main events in the story.
To teach students, have them read the story and then use a six-cell storyboard to illustrate each plot element—starting with the setting and conflict, then mapping out the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage using images and brief descriptions for each part.
The main events include: Ulrich and Georg feuding in the Carpathian woods, getting trapped by a fallen tree, arguing and then reconciling, deciding to call for help together, and finally, wolves approaching before anyone can rescue them.
Storyboards make plot structure visual and interactive, helping students better grasp each story element. By creating scenes for each part, students remember events more clearly and deepen their understanding of narrative flow.
Keep the activity interactive by letting students draw, use visuals, or digital tools. Encourage them to summarize each plot stage with their own words, discuss with peers, and connect the story’s conflicts or themes to real-life situations for deeper engagement.