Activity Overview
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 the sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 Inferno.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Activity Overview
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 the sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 Inferno.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about Dante\'s Inferno Summary
How to connect Dante’s Inferno plot diagram to real-world themes
Relate major plot points to universal themes like justice, morality, or redemption. Encourage students to identify events in Dante’s Inferno that mirror issues in today’s world. This helps make literature more relevant and deepens understanding.
Guide students to brainstorm modern parallels for each plot event
Ask students to discuss situations from current events, school life, or their communities that reflect challenges or choices faced by Dante. Linking classic literature to personal experience increases engagement.
Facilitate a class discussion connecting characters’ decisions to students’ values
Lead your class in comparing Dante’s and other characters’ decisions to choices students face. Highlight how consequences in the story relate to real-life outcomes.
Have students illustrate a modern scenario inspired by the plot
Invite students to create a sixth storyboard cell that depicts a contemporary scene inspired by a theme or moral from Inferno. This visual connection reinforces comprehension and creativity.
Encourage reflective writing tying Inferno’s lessons to students’ lives
Assign a short response where students describe a lesson from Dante’s journey that applies to their own experiences. Reflection supports personal growth and deeper literary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dante\'s Inferno Summary
What is a plot diagram for Dante's Inferno?
A plot diagram for Dante's Inferno visually breaks down the story into six key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the narrative structure of the poem.
How can I teach Dante's Inferno with a storyboard activity?
To teach Dante's Inferno using a storyboard, have students create six illustrated scenes—one for each part of the plot diagram—accompanied by brief descriptions. This helps visualize major events and deepen comprehension.
What are some easy lesson ideas for Dante's Inferno in high school?
Easy lesson ideas include creating visual plot diagrams, group discussions on major themes, partner storyboarding, and short writing prompts exploring Dante's journey through Hell.
Why use visual plot diagrams for teaching classic literature?
Visual plot diagrams help students break down complex stories, improve retention, and engage more deeply with classic literature like Dante's Inferno by making narrative elements clear and accessible.
What are the main parts of the plot in Dante's Inferno?
The main parts are Exposition (Dante lost in the woods), Conflict (his struggle to find salvation), Rising Action (journey through Hell's circles), Climax (confrontation with Lucifer), Falling Action (escape from Hell), and Resolution (emerging into light).
More Storyboard That Activities
Dante's Inferno
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