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, such as five act structure.
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.
The Glass Menagerie Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
The play is narrated by Tom, who is remembering the events as a memory. It opens with Amanda Wingfield, a former Southern socialite, obsessing over the idea that her daughter, Laura, should be prepared at all times for a gentleman caller. While Amanda’s husband abandoned their family, she hopes for bright and successful futures for her two children. She is afraid that Tom will get stuck in his warehouse job, and Laura will become an old maid.
Conflict
Laura is a very shy girl, with her social anxiety amplified by the slight limp she acquired after a childhood illness. Amanda discovers that Laura dropped out of her business classes at the Rubicam Business College because of her severe anxiety. Tom is tired of having to carry the family with his shoe warehouse job because he likes to write poetry and he thinks the world is moving on without him. He believes he is missing out on something. Amanda is determined to find the perfect gentleman caller for Laura.
Rising Action
After a disruptive fight between Tom and Amanda, Tom apologizes, which prompts Amanda to ask him to find a suitable man at his warehouse to bring home to meet Laura. After some resistance, Tom agrees. Laura previously confessed to her mother that there once was a boy named Jim that she liked in high school; however, that was six years ago now and he’s probably married. Tom eventually tells Amanda that he is bringing a friend home for Laura, a man named James O’Connor.
Climax
It turns out that James is the Jim Laura used to know, and she becomes paralyzed by fear during their dinner and has to be helped to the sofa. Tom confesses to Jim that he’s paid his dues in the Union of Merchant Seamen rather than the electricity bill that month, and he will be leaving soon. Jim and Laura spend some time together and he begins to bring her out of her shell, eventually dancing with her and then kissing her.
Falling Action
With that kiss, Jim realizes he’s gone too far because he’s already engaged to be married to a woman named Betty, whom he loves. He tries to let Laura down easily, but her quiet despair is palpable. She gives him the tiny glass unicorn he accidentally broke while dancing as a souvenir. Jim quickly makes an exit after hastily explaining his engagement to the also-disappointed Amanda.
Resolution
Amanda turns on Tom, accusing him of making this evening a joke for his poor sister. She continues to yell at him as he flees the house. Tom, alone again, speaks to the audience about how he traveled to many different places in his life, but he is always reminded of his sister. He feels constantly pursued by the guilt of leaving her behind.
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 Glass Menagerie.
- 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 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, such as five act structure.
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.
The Glass Menagerie Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
The play is narrated by Tom, who is remembering the events as a memory. It opens with Amanda Wingfield, a former Southern socialite, obsessing over the idea that her daughter, Laura, should be prepared at all times for a gentleman caller. While Amanda’s husband abandoned their family, she hopes for bright and successful futures for her two children. She is afraid that Tom will get stuck in his warehouse job, and Laura will become an old maid.
Conflict
Laura is a very shy girl, with her social anxiety amplified by the slight limp she acquired after a childhood illness. Amanda discovers that Laura dropped out of her business classes at the Rubicam Business College because of her severe anxiety. Tom is tired of having to carry the family with his shoe warehouse job because he likes to write poetry and he thinks the world is moving on without him. He believes he is missing out on something. Amanda is determined to find the perfect gentleman caller for Laura.
Rising Action
After a disruptive fight between Tom and Amanda, Tom apologizes, which prompts Amanda to ask him to find a suitable man at his warehouse to bring home to meet Laura. After some resistance, Tom agrees. Laura previously confessed to her mother that there once was a boy named Jim that she liked in high school; however, that was six years ago now and he’s probably married. Tom eventually tells Amanda that he is bringing a friend home for Laura, a man named James O’Connor.
Climax
It turns out that James is the Jim Laura used to know, and she becomes paralyzed by fear during their dinner and has to be helped to the sofa. Tom confesses to Jim that he’s paid his dues in the Union of Merchant Seamen rather than the electricity bill that month, and he will be leaving soon. Jim and Laura spend some time together and he begins to bring her out of her shell, eventually dancing with her and then kissing her.
Falling Action
With that kiss, Jim realizes he’s gone too far because he’s already engaged to be married to a woman named Betty, whom he loves. He tries to let Laura down easily, but her quiet despair is palpable. She gives him the tiny glass unicorn he accidentally broke while dancing as a souvenir. Jim quickly makes an exit after hastily explaining his engagement to the also-disappointed Amanda.
Resolution
Amanda turns on Tom, accusing him of making this evening a joke for his poor sister. She continues to yell at him as he flees the house. Tom, alone again, speaks to the audience about how he traveled to many different places in his life, but he is always reminded of his sister. He feels constantly pursued by the guilt of leaving her behind.
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 Glass Menagerie.
- 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 Glass Menagerie Summary Activity
Easily Adapt a Plot Diagram Activity for Younger Students
Adjusting plot diagram activities for grades 2–8 helps all learners access complex literature. Simple modifications can increase engagement and understanding for younger readers.
Select a shorter or familiar text to practice plot diagrams
Choose a story your students already know, like a fairy tale or fable. Familiar texts reduce confusion and let students focus on understanding plot structure instead of new content.
Use clear, concrete language to explain plot parts
Break down each plot element (like exposition or climax) into simple terms. Use examples from the chosen story so students grasp each concept quickly.
Provide sentence starters or templates for descriptions
Offer sentence frames for each cell to help students organize their thoughts. This scaffolding supports emerging writers and builds confidence.
Incorporate drawing or collage for visual scenes
Allow students to draw, use stickers, or create collages for each plot part. This creative approach keeps younger students motivated and makes abstract ideas tangible.
Discuss each plot part as a class before independent work
Review the story together and identify plot elements as a group. Guided discussion helps students internalize the structure before working on their own diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Glass Menagerie Summary Activity
What is a plot diagram for The Glass Menagerie?
A plot diagram for The Glass Menagerie is a visual representation of the play's main events, organized into sections like exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This helps students understand the structure and key moments in the story.
How can I teach The Glass Menagerie plot to high school students?
To teach The Glass Menagerie plot to high school students, have them create a storyboard or plot diagram that breaks down the play into major parts. Encourage them to illustrate and describe each section, reinforcing comprehension of literary structure.
What are some easy activities for teaching The Glass Menagerie?
Easy activities for teaching The Glass Menagerie include making plot diagrams, character maps, scene reenactments, and group discussions about themes and symbols. Visual storyboarding is especially effective for quick lessons.
Why use a storyboard to summarize The Glass Menagerie?
Using a storyboard to summarize The Glass Menagerie helps students visually organize events, understand plot structure, and engage creatively with the material, making complex narratives more accessible.
What are the main events in The Glass Menagerie plot diagram?
The main events in The Glass Menagerie plot diagram include the exposition (introduction of Tom, Amanda, and Laura), the conflict (Laura's struggles and family tension), rising action (bringing Jim home), climax (Jim and Laura's interaction), falling action (Jim's engagement revelation), and resolution (Tom leaving and reflecting).
More Storyboard That Activities
Glass Menagerie, The
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
