Activity Overview
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 work 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.
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 Divergent.
- 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
Activity Overview
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 work 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.
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 Divergent.
- 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How Tos about Divergent Plot Diagram and Summary
How to facilitate meaningful group discussions about plot structure
Encourage students to share their interpretations of each plot stage in small groups before class discussion. This builds confidence and helps them engage more deeply with the story and each other.
Prompt students to identify textual evidence for each plot point
Ask students to find specific quotes or passages from the text that support their choices for each plot diagram cell. This reinforces close reading skills and ensures their storyboard is grounded in the novel.
Guide students to use visuals that reflect character emotions
Suggest that students illustrate key character emotions in their scenes, not just actions. This deepens understanding of character development and motivations throughout the plot.
Model how to summarize each plot stage concisely
Demonstrate summarizing techniques by creating a sample description for one plot stage. Highlight how to capture essential details without retelling the entire chapter.
Incorporate peer feedback to refine students’ plot diagrams
Have students exchange storyboards and provide constructive feedback on clarity and completeness. This collaborative step helps students reflect and improve their work before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divergent Plot Diagram and Summary
What is a plot diagram for Divergent?
A plot diagram for Divergent visually maps the story's key events, following the structure of Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students break down major moments and understand the narrative arc of Veronica Roth's novel.
How can teachers use a Divergent plot diagram in the classroom?
Teachers can assign students to create a six-cell storyboard illustrating each part of the plot diagram for Divergent. This activity reinforces literary structure, improves comprehension, and encourages visual storytelling, making lessons more engaging for grades 6–12.
What are the six main parts of a plot diagram?
The six main parts of a plot diagram are: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each part helps students analyze and understand the progression of a story.
Why is creating a plot diagram helpful for understanding Divergent?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visualize the structure of Divergent, making it easier to identify key events, analyze character decisions, and understand how conflict and resolution shape the story.
What is the best way to introduce plot diagrams to students using Divergent?
The best way is to have students read Divergent and then use a step-by-step storyboard activity to illustrate each plot part. Providing examples, guiding questions, and encouraging group discussion can make the lesson interactive and effective.
More Storyboard That Activities
Divergent
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
