Students can make a plot diagram of the events from a novel. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, it also reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures, like five act structure.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a novel with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the novel in the sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ponyboy Curtis (Greaser), the main character, is introduced as he is going to the movies when Socs, members of a rival gang, jump him. He is saved when a group of fellow Greasers come to his rescue.
There is a rivalry between two major gangs: the Socs and the Greasers. The Socs are wealthy, while the Greasers are poor.
Johnny kills a Soc to protect his friend. This forces Johnny and Ponyboy to flee. While they are gone, tension mounts between the gangs. Johnny and Ponyboy take refuge in an old church. One day the church catches fire with young children inside. Johnny attempts to save them, but is badly injured.
Johnny dies from his injuries.
A major battle between the gangs happens, and Dallas dies. Ponyboy was knocked unconscious and wakes up after several days, at home. He then reconciles with his brother Darrel.
In the end, Ponyboy recovers from the emotional and physical trauma that has occurred. The novel ends with Ponyboy writing the opening line.
(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 Outsiders.
As you read a story in class, discuss the major events with your students. Some students can be confused by the high action in this book or about who does what in the storyline. Talking it through as a class will help all students succeed.
This is a good time to review the plot elements of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution with your students. You can use a matching game or a pyramid game to review. Understanding this vocabulary will help them exponentially with the next step.
Students will learn organization by matching up the events of the plot that you reviewed with the plot elements like exposition and rising action. Scaffold for students who need it.
The plot diagram is an organizational tool that helps students understand the action of a story. This starts with the introductions of setting and character at the beginning of the story, to the action getting rolling to the climax, and then back down the other side to resolve the story.