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 helps 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.
Example Plot Diagram for the Myth of Hercules
*Note that this is a very general summary of his mythical story, and does not include his upbringing, the voyage of the Argo, the circumstances of his death, etc. An alternative to a plot diagram would be to make a Hero's Journey storyboard.
Exposition
Zeus had an affair with Alcmene and Hercules was born. Hera was jealous and tried to kill Hercules with two serpents. Hercules strangled the snakes in his crib.
Conflict
Hera hated Hercules. Later in life, she made Hercules go mad and he killed his family.
Rising Action
In order to atone for this sin, Hercules had to complete tasks for Eurystheus. Eurystheus assigned him impossible tasks to try and get Hercules killed.
Climax
Hercules completed the 12 Labors with strength, guile, and help from the gods. The Labors brought him all over the world and he defeated many foes.
Falling Action
Hercules was cleansed of the murder of his family. He won the hand of Deianeira after wrestling with a river god.
Resolution
When Hercules died, his immortal side went to live with the gods on Mount Olympus.
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 one of the Hercules myths.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 helps 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.
Example Plot Diagram for the Myth of Hercules
*Note that this is a very general summary of his mythical story, and does not include his upbringing, the voyage of the Argo, the circumstances of his death, etc. An alternative to a plot diagram would be to make a Hero's Journey storyboard.
Exposition
Zeus had an affair with Alcmene and Hercules was born. Hera was jealous and tried to kill Hercules with two serpents. Hercules strangled the snakes in his crib.
Conflict
Hera hated Hercules. Later in life, she made Hercules go mad and he killed his family.
Rising Action
In order to atone for this sin, Hercules had to complete tasks for Eurystheus. Eurystheus assigned him impossible tasks to try and get Hercules killed.
Climax
Hercules completed the 12 Labors with strength, guile, and help from the gods. The Labors brought him all over the world and he defeated many foes.
Falling Action
Hercules was cleansed of the murder of his family. He won the hand of Deianeira after wrestling with a river god.
Resolution
When Hercules died, his immortal side went to live with the gods on Mount Olympus.
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 one of the Hercules myths.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 Story of Hercules in a Plot Diagram
Engage students with creative writing inspired by Hercules
Encouraging creative writing lets students apply their knowledge of Hercules in a fun and imaginative way. This activity builds writing skills and helps students connect personally with the myth.
Choose a lesser-known adventure for students to rewrite
Pick an episode from Hercules’ life not covered in the main plot diagram, such as his childhood or a side quest. This gives students fresh material and encourages research.
Provide a story starter to spark imagination
Begin with a sentence like, “One morning, Hercules woke to find…” to help students jump into writing. Story starters reduce writer’s block and make the activity accessible for all learners.
Set clear guidelines for structure and length
Tell students to write a short narrative (1-2 paragraphs) with a beginning, middle, and end. Clear expectations help students focus and organize their ideas.
Share and celebrate stories as a class
Have students read their stories aloud or display them in the classroom. Celebrating student work builds confidence and creates a positive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Story of Hercules in a Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for the story of Hercules?
A plot diagram for the story of Hercules visually outlines the main events using six parts: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc by mapping key moments from Hercules' myth, such as his origins, challenges, and ultimate fate.
How can students create a storyboard for Hercules' myth?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing Hercules' myth into six scenes: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. For each part, they draw or digitally design an image and write a brief description that summarizes the key events in that section of the story.
What are the main parts of a plot diagram used in teaching mythology?
The main parts of a plot diagram are exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. These components help students break down and analyze the structure of myths like Hercules for deeper comprehension.
Why use a plot diagram to teach the myth of Hercules?
Using a plot diagram to teach the myth of Hercules helps students visualize story structure, reinforce key events, and improve understanding of literary elements. It also supports critical thinking and retention by encouraging students to organize and retell the narrative in their own words.
What is the difference between a plot diagram and a Hero's Journey storyboard for Hercules?
A plot diagram focuses on the basic structure of a story (exposition, conflict, etc.), while a Hero's Journey storyboard highlights stages specific to hero myths, such as the call to adventure and return. Both help students analyze stories, but the Hero's Journey offers more detail about the protagonist's transformation.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: The 12 Labors of Hercules
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