Activity Overview
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a novel with a six-cell storyboard, containing 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 in alignment with five act structure.
The Scarlet Letter Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
In 17th-Century Puritan Boston, Hester Prynne is on trial for adultery. She has a 3-month old baby named Pearl, and Hester refuses to name the father. As punishment, Hester must wear a scarlet “A” on her chest for the rest of her life.
Conflict
Hester’s long-lost husband “Roger Chillingworth” has finally made it to Boston, and he is angry. He dedicates himself to finding out who Hester’s lover is so that he can exact his revenge. He swears Hester to secrecy. Meanwhile, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is suffering from an unknown ailment which seems to come from an internal struggle. Chillingworth poses as a doctor to help the ailing minister.
Rising Action
Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale reconnect when Pearl is seven, and they decide to run away together to Europe, after Dimmesdale’s final sermon, to be given on Election Day. Dimmesdale is slowly becoming more ill with each passing day, and holds his hand over his heart in pain. Chillingworth discovers the family’s connection and plan. Hester finds out that he has booked himself a ticket on the same ship with them.
Climax
Arthur Dimmesdale delivers his Election Day sermon with fervor and new-found energy - many say it’s the best sermon he has ever given. He ends it by calling Hester and Pearl up to the scaffold with him, where he indirectly with words, but directly with actions, acknowledges his part in Hester’s adultery and his guilt for not stepping forward as Pearl’s father seven years before. He tears open his shirt and reveals an “A” engraved into his skin, and then he dies.
Falling Action
The townspeople cannot believe what they have seen; some even outright deny that Dimmesdale had the “A” on his chest. Chillingworth dies within a year of Dimmesdale and leaves his entire inheritance to Pearl, making her very rich. Pearl and Hester leave New England for Europe soon after.
Resolution
Many years later, Hester Prynne returns to Boston and again lives in the little cottage she and Pearl once shared. She still wears the scarlet “A” even though she doesn’t have to, and women in the town come to her for advice and respect her. She dies in Boston, and is buried near Dimmesdale.
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 The Scarlet Letter.
- 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 novel with a six-cell storyboard, containing 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 in alignment with five act structure.
The Scarlet Letter Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
In 17th-Century Puritan Boston, Hester Prynne is on trial for adultery. She has a 3-month old baby named Pearl, and Hester refuses to name the father. As punishment, Hester must wear a scarlet “A” on her chest for the rest of her life.
Conflict
Hester’s long-lost husband “Roger Chillingworth” has finally made it to Boston, and he is angry. He dedicates himself to finding out who Hester’s lover is so that he can exact his revenge. He swears Hester to secrecy. Meanwhile, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is suffering from an unknown ailment which seems to come from an internal struggle. Chillingworth poses as a doctor to help the ailing minister.
Rising Action
Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale reconnect when Pearl is seven, and they decide to run away together to Europe, after Dimmesdale’s final sermon, to be given on Election Day. Dimmesdale is slowly becoming more ill with each passing day, and holds his hand over his heart in pain. Chillingworth discovers the family’s connection and plan. Hester finds out that he has booked himself a ticket on the same ship with them.
Climax
Arthur Dimmesdale delivers his Election Day sermon with fervor and new-found energy - many say it’s the best sermon he has ever given. He ends it by calling Hester and Pearl up to the scaffold with him, where he indirectly with words, but directly with actions, acknowledges his part in Hester’s adultery and his guilt for not stepping forward as Pearl’s father seven years before. He tears open his shirt and reveals an “A” engraved into his skin, and then he dies.
Falling Action
The townspeople cannot believe what they have seen; some even outright deny that Dimmesdale had the “A” on his chest. Chillingworth dies within a year of Dimmesdale and leaves his entire inheritance to Pearl, making her very rich. Pearl and Hester leave New England for Europe soon after.
Resolution
Many years later, Hester Prynne returns to Boston and again lives in the little cottage she and Pearl once shared. She still wears the scarlet “A” even though she doesn’t have to, and women in the town come to her for advice and respect her. She dies in Boston, and is buried near Dimmesdale.
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 The Scarlet Letter.
- 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 The Scarlet Letter Plot Diagram Activity
Use Character Maps to Deepen Understanding of The Scarlet Letter
Character maps help students visually organize traits, motivations, and relationships among key figures in The Scarlet Letter. This supports deeper comprehension and connects plot events to character development.
Introduce each main character with a brief class discussion
Start by engaging students in a quick talk about Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, and Pearl. Highlight their roles in the story to set context for mapping.
Provide students with a blank character map template
Give each student or group a printed or digital template. Templates should include spaces for character names, traits, relationships, and important plot moments.
Guide students to fill in character details using text evidence
Direct students to find specific quotes or events from the novel that illustrate each character's traits and motivations. Encourage citing page numbers for reference.
Facilitate sharing and discussion of completed character maps
Invite students or groups to present their maps and explain connections. Emphasize how character interactions drive the plot and shape major events.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Scarlet Letter Plot Diagram Activity
What is a plot diagram for The Scarlet Letter?
A plot diagram for The Scarlet Letter visually breaks down the novel's main events into key stages: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This helps students understand the narrative arc and major turning points in Nathaniel Hawthorne's story.
How can I teach The Scarlet Letter plot structure easily to high school students?
To teach The Scarlet Letter plot structure, guide students to create a six-part storyboard. Assign each cell to a specific plot stage (Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution), have them illustrate or describe key scenes, and discuss how each part drives the story forward.
What are the six parts of a plot diagram in a novel lesson?
The six main parts of a plot diagram are: Exposition (introducing characters and setting), Conflict (main problem), Rising Action (tension builds), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (events after climax), and Resolution (conclusion).
What is an example of a plot diagram for The Scarlet Letter?
An example plot diagram for The Scarlet Letter includes: Exposition (Hester's trial), Conflict (Chillingworth's revenge), Rising Action (plans to flee), Climax (Dimmesdale's confession), Falling Action (aftermath and inheritances), and Resolution (Hester's return and legacy).
Why use a storyboard for teaching The Scarlet Letter?
Using a storyboard helps students visualize and organize the sequence of events in The Scarlet Letter, making complex plot developments clearer and improving comprehension, especially for visual and hands-on learners.
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