Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Tiger Rising. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Exposition: Twelve year old Rob has just lost his mother. He and his father move to a new town where they don’t know anyone. Rob is bullied and meets another new student named Sistine.
Rising Action: Rob is asked to stay home for a few days so his rash can have time to heal. While home, he finds a caged tiger in the woods; he belongs to Beauchamp, the motel owner.
Climax: Beauchamp gives Rob the keys to the cage and money to feed the tiger. Rob tells Sistine of this, and she insists they set the tiger free. Rob and Sistine open the cage to release the tiger. He doesn’t leave at first, but then he runs out into the woods.
Falling Action: Rob and Sistine hear a gunshot, and find Rob’s father and Willie May standing over the dead tiger. Rob is furious at first, and then he and his father cry together for a long time.
Resolution: They bury and have a funeral for the tiger. Rob feels sad that the tiger died, but also hopeful for the first time in a long time.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of The Tiger Rising.
Student Instructions: