Activity Overview
A common activity for students is to create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot but to reinforce major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard that captures the concept of the narrative arc in a story by creating a six-cell storyboard which contains the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in a sequence using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
"Young Goodman Brown" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
The story begins when Goodman must say goodbye to his wife, Faith, to go on an errand. Faith tells Brown that she is not comfortable staying by herself and wished he would not go.
Major Inciting Conflict
Brown leaves without stating the purpose of the journey, yet the reader infers that the reason is related to dark matters. On his way he encounters the devil who attempts to woo him.
Rising Action
Despite numerous persuasive tactics, Brown refuses the devil; until he thinks he hears Faith’s scream. Using the devil’s staff, Brown is transported to the devil's forest ceremony.
Climax
At the ceremony the fire lights the faces of good pious people in his community: the Deacon Gookin, Goody Cloyse, and others. Suddenly, he realizes that Faith is among them. As he tells her to resist the devil and look towards the heavens he is transported back through the forest alone.
Falling Action
The next morning, Brown returns to the village unaware if what he experienced was real or a dream. He sees the same members of the community that were at the fire and cries out, defaming them in wickedness.
Resolution
For the rest of his life, he is changed, trusting no one, especially not his wife, Faith.
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 "Young Goodman Brown".
- Consider using a timeline organizer first to track the events of the story before determining the most important plot points for your diagram.
- 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 activity for students is to create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of a plot but to reinforce major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard that captures the concept of the narrative arc in a story by creating a six-cell storyboard which contains the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in a sequence using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
"Young Goodman Brown" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
The story begins when Goodman must say goodbye to his wife, Faith, to go on an errand. Faith tells Brown that she is not comfortable staying by herself and wished he would not go.
Major Inciting Conflict
Brown leaves without stating the purpose of the journey, yet the reader infers that the reason is related to dark matters. On his way he encounters the devil who attempts to woo him.
Rising Action
Despite numerous persuasive tactics, Brown refuses the devil; until he thinks he hears Faith’s scream. Using the devil’s staff, Brown is transported to the devil's forest ceremony.
Climax
At the ceremony the fire lights the faces of good pious people in his community: the Deacon Gookin, Goody Cloyse, and others. Suddenly, he realizes that Faith is among them. As he tells her to resist the devil and look towards the heavens he is transported back through the forest alone.
Falling Action
The next morning, Brown returns to the village unaware if what he experienced was real or a dream. He sees the same members of the community that were at the fire and cries out, defaming them in wickedness.
Resolution
For the rest of his life, he is changed, trusting no one, especially not his wife, Faith.
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 "Young Goodman Brown".
- Consider using a timeline organizer first to track the events of the story before determining the most important plot points for your diagram.
- 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 \"Young Goodman Brown\" Plot Diagram
Easily Guide Students to Identify Themes in 'Young Goodman Brown'
Help students connect plot events to deeper meanings by focusing their attention on recurring ideas and symbols. Identifying themes enhances comprehension and critical thinking as students move beyond basic plot recall.
Explain what a theme is using relatable examples
Clarify that a theme is a big idea or message the author wants readers to think about. Use simple stories or movies students know—like friendship in Charlotte's Web—to show how a theme is different from what happens in the plot.
List major events and ask what they have in common
Have students write down key plot moments from their diagram. Then, prompt them to look for patterns or repeated ideas in these events, such as trust, temptation, or doubt.
Encourage students to find evidence for possible themes
Ask students to highlight lines or scenes that support each theme they suggest. Evidence-based thinking strengthens analysis skills and helps students justify their ideas.
Guide students to summarize the theme in one sentence
Challenge students to write a clear, one-sentence statement about what they think the story says about life or people. This practice helps them articulate complex ideas concisely.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"Young Goodman Brown\" Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for 'Young Goodman Brown'?
A plot diagram for "Young Goodman Brown" visually breaks down the story into key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Each section highlights major events and helps students understand the narrative structure and character development in Nathaniel Hawthorne's tale.
How can I teach the plot structure of 'Young Goodman Brown' to high school students?
To teach the plot structure of "Young Goodman Brown" to high schoolers, have students create a six-cell storyboard illustrating each plot part. Use images and brief descriptions for Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution to reinforce comprehension and storytelling skills.
What are the main events in the 'Young Goodman Brown' plot diagram?
The main events include Goodman Brown leaving his wife Faith, encountering the devil, the mysterious forest ceremony, recognizing townspeople and Faith at the ritual, his return and distrust of the community, and his lifelong changed perspective. Each event fits into a different part of the plot diagram.
Why is creating a plot diagram useful for analyzing 'Young Goodman Brown'?
Creating a plot diagram helps students visually organize the story's sequence, understand literary elements, and identify key turning points in "Young Goodman Brown." It also encourages deeper analysis of character motivations and themes.
What are some tips for making an effective 'Young Goodman Brown' plot diagram in class?
Start by tracking events on a timeline organizer, then select the most important moments for each plot stage. Use images or symbols for visual impact, and write clear, concise scene descriptions to help students remember key details and sequence.
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Young Goodman Brown
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