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.
The Red Badge of Courage Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Henry Fleming, a young man of 18 years old, has finally left his farm and his mother to join the Union Army. However, his regiment largely wanders from one place to another, never really seeing combat. Henry is consumed by fears that he will run away from a true battle, and while he tries to find comfort in other soldiers, especially veterans, the worries still plague him.
Conflict
While Henry fights initially, he is quickly overcome by fear as he sees many of his fellow soldiers fleeing the first battle. His friend, a loud and arrogant soldier named Wilson, also deserts the battle before it really begins. Henry turns and runs away from the battle, fleeing into the woods and plagued by fear, guilt, and shame.
Rising Action
Henry finally meets up with a wounded unit of soldiers. His tall friend Jim Conklin is among them. A tattered soldier tries to befriend Henry. Henry and the tattered soldier follow Jim into the woods, where he dies in a strange manner. Henry soon notices the weakened state of the tattered soldier and abandons him in the woods, alone and muttering to himself. Overcome by his weariness, Henry is led back to his regiment by a cheery stranger. He tells his regiment that he was shot in the head by the enemy, but the wound is from a struggle with another soldier.
Climax
Henry keeps his cowardice from his comrades and becomes a “war devil”, or a fearless soldier. The regimen is then sent to an assignment which most likely means certain death. Henry and Wilson overhear the general calling the soldiers “mule drivers”, and this fuels his and Wilson’s resolve to fight. Henry becomes the color bearer for the next battle by saving the flag from a dying color bearer.
Falling Action
The regiment squares off with rebels hiding behind a farmer’s fence. Their lines are quickly dwindling, so they realize they have to charge the fence. Henry and Wilson lock their sights on the rebel color bearer, and Wilson swoops in to grab the flag as the color bearer is killed. The Union forces win the battle, and a strange calm settles over the land.
Resolution
As they are marching back to camp, Henry is again plagued by guilt for his actions on the previous day. He recalls his cowardice, his abandonment of both Jim Conklin and the tattered soldier, and it starts to cause him despair. However, he begins to see that he has made up for these mistakes in his bravery as color bearer, and he finds peace within himself for his actions.
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 Red Badge of Courage.
- 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.
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 Red Badge of Courage Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Henry Fleming, a young man of 18 years old, has finally left his farm and his mother to join the Union Army. However, his regiment largely wanders from one place to another, never really seeing combat. Henry is consumed by fears that he will run away from a true battle, and while he tries to find comfort in other soldiers, especially veterans, the worries still plague him.
Conflict
While Henry fights initially, he is quickly overcome by fear as he sees many of his fellow soldiers fleeing the first battle. His friend, a loud and arrogant soldier named Wilson, also deserts the battle before it really begins. Henry turns and runs away from the battle, fleeing into the woods and plagued by fear, guilt, and shame.
Rising Action
Henry finally meets up with a wounded unit of soldiers. His tall friend Jim Conklin is among them. A tattered soldier tries to befriend Henry. Henry and the tattered soldier follow Jim into the woods, where he dies in a strange manner. Henry soon notices the weakened state of the tattered soldier and abandons him in the woods, alone and muttering to himself. Overcome by his weariness, Henry is led back to his regiment by a cheery stranger. He tells his regiment that he was shot in the head by the enemy, but the wound is from a struggle with another soldier.
Climax
Henry keeps his cowardice from his comrades and becomes a “war devil”, or a fearless soldier. The regimen is then sent to an assignment which most likely means certain death. Henry and Wilson overhear the general calling the soldiers “mule drivers”, and this fuels his and Wilson’s resolve to fight. Henry becomes the color bearer for the next battle by saving the flag from a dying color bearer.
Falling Action
The regiment squares off with rebels hiding behind a farmer’s fence. Their lines are quickly dwindling, so they realize they have to charge the fence. Henry and Wilson lock their sights on the rebel color bearer, and Wilson swoops in to grab the flag as the color bearer is killed. The Union forces win the battle, and a strange calm settles over the land.
Resolution
As they are marching back to camp, Henry is again plagued by guilt for his actions on the previous day. He recalls his cowardice, his abandonment of both Jim Conklin and the tattered soldier, and it starts to cause him despair. However, he begins to see that he has made up for these mistakes in his bravery as color bearer, and he finds peace within himself for his actions.
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 Red Badge of Courage.
- 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 Red Badge of Courage Summary
How to lead a class discussion on themes in The Red Badge of Courage
Facilitate a meaningful conversation by preparing open-ended questions focused on key themes like courage, fear, and self-discovery. Encourage students to support their ideas with examples from the text to build critical thinking and comprehension.
Set discussion norms for respectful participation
Establish clear guidelines such as raising hands, listening actively, and responding thoughtfully. Model positive behavior and remind students that every perspective is valued.
Use text evidence to spark thoughtful debate
Ask students to reference specific passages or scenes when sharing their opinions. This practice strengthens arguments and helps everyone stay grounded in the story.
Encourage quieter students to contribute
Invite less vocal students to share their thoughts by using small group discussions or think-pair-share before whole-class sharing. Build confidence in a supportive setting.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Assign a short reflection asking students to connect a theme from the discussion to their own life or current events. Deepen understanding by encouraging personal connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Red Badge of Courage Summary
What is the plot summary of The Red Badge of Courage?
The Red Badge of Courage follows Henry Fleming, a young Union soldier, as he faces fear, cowardice, and ultimately bravery during the Civil War. The novel traces his journey from anxiety and self-doubt to personal growth and acceptance after experiencing the realities of battle.
How can I create a plot diagram for The Red Badge of Courage?
To create a plot diagram, divide the story into six parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Summarize key events for each part and illustrate or describe them, helping students visualize the narrative structure.
What are the main events in each part of The Red Badge of Courage plot diagram?
Exposition: Henry joins the Union Army. Conflict: He fears cowardice and runs from battle. Rising Action: He encounters wounded soldiers and lies about his injury. Climax: Henry becomes courageous and carries the flag. Falling Action: The regiment wins the battle. Resolution: Henry finds peace with his actions.
Why is using a storyboard effective for teaching The Red Badge of Courage?
Storyboards help students break down complex narratives, visualize plot structure, and reinforce understanding of literary elements, making abstract concepts concrete and memorable for K–12 learners.
What are some quick and easy lesson ideas for teaching The Red Badge of Courage?
Try activities like visual plot diagrams, character analysis, group discussions about themes of courage and fear, and creative assignments such as drawing or acting out key scenes to engage students and deepen comprehension.
More Storyboard That Activities
Red Badge of Courage, The
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