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.
Example The Fault in Our Stars Plot Diagram
Exposition
Hazel knows her lifespan is limited. Hazel's breathing is severely limited due to the cancer in her lungs, and she breathes with the help of a portable oxygen tank and tubes.
Conflict
Hazel makes friends with a cancer-survivor named Augustus, but does not want to become romantically involved with him to avoid breaking his heart when she dies.
Rising Action
Hazel and Augustus grow closer together through a shared love of the book An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. They write to Van Houten to find out the details of his unfinished ending, and when he refuses to tell them, they plan a trip to visit him.
Climax
Hazel and Augustus are disappointed by Peter Van Houten in Amsterdam, but they grow closer together as a result of the trip. Hazel agrees to begin a romantic relationship with Augustus only to learn that his cancer has returned and cannot be treated.
Falling Action
As Augustus's health deteriorates, Hazel and Gus grow closer together and help each other deal with their physical and emotional pain.
Resolution
Augustus dies, but Hazel is grateful to have loved him and feels comforted by the eulogy he left behind for her.
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 Fault in Our Stars.
- 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 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.
Example The Fault in Our Stars Plot Diagram
Exposition
Hazel knows her lifespan is limited. Hazel's breathing is severely limited due to the cancer in her lungs, and she breathes with the help of a portable oxygen tank and tubes.
Conflict
Hazel makes friends with a cancer-survivor named Augustus, but does not want to become romantically involved with him to avoid breaking his heart when she dies.
Rising Action
Hazel and Augustus grow closer together through a shared love of the book An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. They write to Van Houten to find out the details of his unfinished ending, and when he refuses to tell them, they plan a trip to visit him.
Climax
Hazel and Augustus are disappointed by Peter Van Houten in Amsterdam, but they grow closer together as a result of the trip. Hazel agrees to begin a romantic relationship with Augustus only to learn that his cancer has returned and cannot be treated.
Falling Action
As Augustus's health deteriorates, Hazel and Gus grow closer together and help each other deal with their physical and emotional pain.
Resolution
Augustus dies, but Hazel is grateful to have loved him and feels comforted by the eulogy he left behind for her.
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 Fault in Our Stars.
- 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 The Fault in Our Stars Summary
Engage Students with Creative Character Analysis Activities
Enhance your literature lessons by encouraging students to dive deeper into characters’ motivations and growth throughout the story. Character analysis helps students better understand literary elements and connect with the text.
Choose a main character for the analysis
Select Hazel or Augustus as the focus for your activity. Focusing on one character allows students to observe development over the entire narrative and make more detailed connections.
List key traits and supporting evidence
Guide students to identify three to five personality traits or motivations for the chosen character. Ask them to find specific examples or quotes from the book that support each trait.
Create a visual character map
Have students design a character map using illustrations, symbols, or images that represent important aspects of the character. Visual mapping makes abstract traits more concrete and memorable.
Present and discuss character changes
Ask students to present their character maps to the class or in small groups. Encourage discussion about how the character changes throughout the story and what influences these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Fault in Our Stars Summary
What is a plot diagram for The Fault in Our Stars?
A plot diagram for The Fault in Our Stars visually outlines key story events, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students summarize and understand the novel's narrative structure.
How can I teach The Fault in Our Stars plot structure with a storyboard?
To teach The Fault in Our Stars plot structure, have students create a six-cell storyboard, each cell depicting a major part of the plot diagram—exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This visual approach reinforces comprehension of literary elements.
What are the main events in The Fault in Our Stars plot diagram?
The main events are: Hazel's struggle with cancer (exposition), meeting Augustus and hesitating to get close (conflict), bonding over a book and planning a trip (rising action), their disappointing meeting with the author and Augustus's relapse (climax), supporting each other as Augustus declines (falling action), and Hazel finding comfort after his death (resolution).
Why use a storyboard for teaching plot diagrams in middle and high school?
Using a storyboard engages students visually and creatively, making it easier to grasp and remember the structure of a story. It encourages active participation and deeper understanding of narrative arcs in both middle and high school classrooms.
What are some tips for creating an effective plot diagram activity?
For an effective plot diagram activity, provide clear instructions, use a familiar story, encourage detailed scenes and concise descriptions, and allow for creativity. Group or individual work can be used to promote collaboration or independent analysis.
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Fault in Our Stars, The
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