Activity Overview
A common activity for students is to create a plot diagram of the events from a novel. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, but to reinforce major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard that captures the concept of the narrative arc in a story by creating a six-cell storyboard which contains the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the novel 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 Don Quixote.
- 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
A common activity for students is to create a plot diagram of the events from a novel. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot, but to reinforce major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard that captures the concept of the narrative arc in a story by creating a six-cell storyboard which contains the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the novel 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 Don Quixote.
- 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 Don Quixote Summary
Incorporate Don Quixote character analysis into your plot diagram lesson
Enhance your plot diagram activity by adding a character analysis component. This allows students to connect plot events to character growth and motivations, deepening their literary understanding.
Assign each student a main character to track
Have students choose or assign them Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, or another key figure. Students focus on their assigned character’s actions, choices, and changes throughout the story.
Guide students to map character development across the plot diagram
Direct students to add a brief note or symbol in each plot diagram cell explaining how their character is affected, challenged, or changed in that section. This connects plot events to character arcs.
Facilitate group or class discussion of character journeys
Encourage students to share observations and insights on their characters. Compare how different characters react to the same events, promoting critical thinking and empathy.
Use student observations for a reflective writing prompt
Ask students to write a short reflection on how their character changed from beginning to end. This step deepens analysis and supports writing skills in a meaningful context.
Frequently Asked Questions about Don Quixote Summary
What is a plot diagram for Don Quixote?
A plot diagram for Don Quixote visually breaks down the novel into key story elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative structure and main events of the book.
How can students create a storyboard for Don Quixote?
Students can create a storyboard for Don Quixote by drawing or using digital tools to make six panels, each representing a part of the plot diagram. For each cell, they illustrate a key moment and write a short description explaining its significance in the story.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram students should include?
The main parts of a plot diagram are Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Including these helps students organize and summarize the story’s structure effectively.
Why is making a plot diagram useful for teaching Don Quixote?
Making a plot diagram helps students reinforce their understanding of the novel’s key events, recognize literary structure, and improve comprehension by visually mapping out the narrative arc of Don Quixote.
What is an example activity for teaching Don Quixote to high school students?
An effective example activity is having students create an illustrated plot diagram of Don Quixote, summarizing each major event with images and descriptions. This engages students and helps them analyze the book’s structure.
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