Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Tiger Rising. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
The Tiger Rising Plot Summary Example
Exposition: Twelve year old Rob has just lost his mother. He and his father move to a new town where they don’t know anyone. Rob is bullied and meets another new student named Sistine.
Rising Action: Rob is asked to stay home for a few days so his rash can have time to heal. While home, he finds a caged tiger in the woods; he belongs to Beauchamp, the motel owner.
Climax: Beauchamp gives Rob the keys to the cage and money to feed the tiger. Rob tells Sistine of this, and she insists they set the tiger free. Rob and Sistine open the cage to release the tiger. He doesn’t leave at first, but then he runs out into the woods.
Falling Action: Rob and Sistine hear a gunshot, and find Rob’s father and Willie May standing over the dead tiger. Rob is furious at first, and then he and his father cry together for a long time.
Resolution: They bury and have a funeral for the tiger. Rob feels sad that the tiger died, but also hopeful for the first time in a long time.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of The Tiger Rising.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, 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 using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in The Tiger Rising. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
The Tiger Rising Plot Summary Example
Exposition: Twelve year old Rob has just lost his mother. He and his father move to a new town where they don’t know anyone. Rob is bullied and meets another new student named Sistine.
Rising Action: Rob is asked to stay home for a few days so his rash can have time to heal. While home, he finds a caged tiger in the woods; he belongs to Beauchamp, the motel owner.
Climax: Beauchamp gives Rob the keys to the cage and money to feed the tiger. Rob tells Sistine of this, and she insists they set the tiger free. Rob and Sistine open the cage to release the tiger. He doesn’t leave at first, but then he runs out into the woods.
Falling Action: Rob and Sistine hear a gunshot, and find Rob’s father and Willie May standing over the dead tiger. Rob is furious at first, and then he and his father cry together for a long time.
Resolution: They bury and have a funeral for the tiger. Rob feels sad that the tiger died, but also hopeful for the first time in a long time.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of The Tiger Rising.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, 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 using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The Tiger Rising Summary
Incorporate Character Analysis into a Plot Diagram Lesson
Deepen students' understanding of the story by adding character analysis to your plot diagram activity. Connecting character growth to plot events helps students see how actions and decisions drive the narrative.
Assign students specific characters to track during the story
Enhance engagement by giving each student or small group a character to follow. Focusing on one character encourages close reading and lets students notice subtle changes throughout the plot.
Have students note character feelings and motivations at each plot stage
Ask students to jot down how their character feels and what motivates them during the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This builds empathy and helps students connect actions to emotions.
Create a visual or written character timeline alongside the plot diagram
Encourage students to document key moments of change for their character using a timeline or annotations beside each plot point. This visual aid clarifies how the character evolves as the story unfolds.
Facilitate a class discussion on character growth after completing diagrams
Lead a conversation where students share insights about their characters' journeys and how plot events influenced them. This reflection reinforces understanding and builds communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tiger Rising Summary
What is the plot summary of The Tiger Rising?
The Tiger Rising follows Rob, a twelve-year-old boy coping with his mother's death and a move to a new town. He befriends Sistine, discovers a caged tiger owned by Beauchamp, and together they decide to free it. The story explores grief, friendship, and healing as Rob and Sistine face the consequences of their actions and find hope after loss.
How can students create a plot diagram for The Tiger Rising?
To create a plot diagram for The Tiger Rising, students should identify and illustrate the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Using a six-cell storyboard, they can summarize key events for each plot stage and add images or short descriptions to visualize the narrative arc.
What are the major turning points in The Tiger Rising?
Major turning points include Rob's move and meeting Sistine (Exposition), finding the caged tiger (Rising Action), freeing the tiger (Climax), the tiger's death (Falling Action), and the emotional resolution as Rob and his father grieve and begin healing (Resolution).
Why is teaching plot diagrams important in middle school literature lessons?
Plot diagrams help middle school students understand story structure, identify key events, and improve reading comprehension. Visualizing the narrative arc reinforces learning and supports analysis of themes, character development, and conflict resolution.
What is an example of a visual plot diagram activity for The Tiger Rising?
Students can use a storyboard with six cells labeled Title, Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each part, they draw or select images depicting important scenes—such as Rob discovering the tiger—and write brief descriptions to explain each event's role in the story.
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