How to Plan with with Storyboards

Prewriting with Storyboards

When it comes to organizing thoughts, it can be a hassle to keep characters, scenes, and ideas in a cohesive and understandable manner. Managing these assets usually involves an ad hoc collection of word documents, physical folders, and mental notes. This is where visually representing those ideas can help you stay structured. And what better visual organizer than storyboards?

Storyboards are the perfect blend of visuals and text. The complementary properties of each media convey information the other struggles with. For script writing, novels, and making other detailed plots, storyboards are great for sorting information. Let’s take a look at key pieces of scripts/manuscripts, and the advantages of using storyboards.

Characters

Stories are driven by characters, presenting human emotions and actions in the context of events. When these characters are the focus of a plot, they must be rich and well developed to ensure a strong connection with the audience.

The number of characters in a story may depend on the length and style of the piece, but it is always important for each character to fulfill their role. They should have the appropriate characteristics and personalities to advance the plot.

A character map helps flesh out these characters. It illustrates their position, positive traits, flaws, and other defining features that enhances their part.

Example

Try out the template on your own story. You can use our provided characters on our storyboard creator, or upload images of your actors or drawings.

Setting: Locations and Time Period

The location of your story can sometimes be just as influential as your characters. Where and when your story takes place will affect culture, technology, behavior, and many other aspects of the plot. A story that takes place in the Wild West, and one that takes place in the future would probably vary a great deal in the attitudes, architecture, and cultures that are portrayed.

Use storyboards to lay out the scenes of your story, and describe how their settings affects the plot. For example:

Use this template to create a visual representation of the scenes and key locations in your script. Just add additional cells, as needed, for more locations.

Plot Diagram

A “plot plan” helps make a story succinct and believable. Whether used to organize before writing, or to check for logical progression later, creating plot documentation can prove valuable. Recording the plot progression ensures each necessary arc is achieved:

• Exposition
• Rising Action
• Conflict
• Climax
• Falling Action
• Resolution

Of course, your story may have multiple conflicts and rising actions. Create your board accordingly, and don’t feel limited by the template below. Read more about plot diagrams and their uses if you need a refresher.

Theme and Messages

Theme and overarching messages are common in stories, and often the inspiration for their creation. These are the things that you want your audience to take away after viewing or reading your work. Common themes include love, friendship, family, overcoming odds, and courage. The theme/message of your story may be completely different. It is good to know what you are trying to portray, so you can ensure the character actions and plot points in your script track and express this theme.

For a more in-depth look at theme and famous stories, visit our themes article.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned how storyboarding can help scripting and planning for a film or novel, it is time to try it with your own work. Use the templates provided above, and see how much easier it becomes to work with and reference your story. Then check out our other articles to help storyboard your ideas:

• Overview of Storyboarding for Film, Commercials, and Animation
• Camera Shots
• Make your Storyboards Pop!
• Character Posing
• Layout and Efficiency

Have a suggestion you’d like to see for film-related storyboarding articles? Let us know at Feedback@StoryboardThat.com. Happy storyboarding!

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Plan with with Storyboards

What is prewriting with storyboards?

Prewriting with storyboards is the process of visually organizing story elements—such as characters, settings, and plot—before writing. Storyboards combine images and text to help writers structure their ideas, making it easier to plan and develop scripts, novels, or classroom projects.

How can storyboards help students organize their stories?

Storyboards help students organize stories by providing a visual framework to map out characters, settings, and plot points. This makes complex ideas easier to understand and ensures stories have logical progression and clear structure.

What are the key components of a storyboard for writing?

The key components of a storyboard for writing include character maps, setting visuals, plot diagrams, and theme/message cells. Each part helps writers visualize and structure different aspects of their story for better clarity and planning.

Why should teachers use storyboards for lesson planning?

Teachers use storyboards for lesson planning because they make it easier to break down complex topics, show relationships visually, and engage students. Storyboards boost creativity and help keep lessons organized and memorable.

Are there free storyboard templates for classroom use?

Yes, there are free storyboard templates available online for classroom use. Educators can use these templates to quickly create visual lesson plans, story outlines, and character maps for their students.