Story of Hercules in a Plot Diagram

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Greek Mythology: The 12 Labors of Hercules




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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.




Example Plot Diagram for the Myth of Hercules

*Note that this is a very general summary of his mythical story, and does not include his upbringing, the voyage of the Argo, the circumstances of his death, etc. An alternative to a plot diagram would be to make a Hero's Journey storyboard.


Exposition

Zeus had an affair with Alcmene and Hercules was born. Hera was jealous and tried to kill Hercules with two serpents. Hercules strangled the snakes in his crib.


Conflict

Hera hated Hercules. Later in life, she made Hercules go mad and he killed his family.


Rising Action

In order to atone for this sin, Hercules had to complete tasks for Eurystheus. Eurystheus assigned him impossible tasks to try and get Hercules killed.


Climax

Hercules completed the 12 Labors with strength, guile, and help from the gods. The Labors brought him all over the world and he defeated many foes.


Falling Action

Hercules was cleansed of the murder of his family. He won the hand of Deianeira after wrestling with a river god.


Resolution

When Hercules died, his immortal side went to live with the gods on Mount Olympus.




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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Create a visual plot diagram of one of the Hercules myths.


  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
  3. Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
  4. Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.



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More Storyboard That Activities

Greek Mythology: The 12 Labors of Hercules



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