Rules Visual Plot Summary

Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help 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. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Rules. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Rules Plot Diagram Example

Exposition: It’s summertime, and twelve year old Catherine’s best friend is away, but she has high hopes for a new friendship with the girl who has moved in next door. Catherine’s eight year old brother, David, has autism; he likes rules and she helps him by making rules and reminding David when to follow them. She often finds herself taking care of David, embarrassed by his behavior, and sometimes even resenting the attention that he always gets from their parents. One day, while in the waiting room of David’s OT clinic, Catherine meets a boy named Jason. Little does she know that meeting Jason will impact her life more than she could’ve ever expected.

Rising Action: Catherine meets Jason in David’s OT clinic waiting room. Jason is in a wheelchair and can only communicate using the cards in his book. Catherine begins making cards for Jason, and they talk every time they are at the clinic. One day, Catherine even takes Jason out for a “run” to show him what it’s like to move fast and free.

Climax: Kristi invites Catherine to the dance with her and Ryan, and says she should bring her friend Jason along. Catherine is concerned about what people will think about Jason, and declines. When Jason finds out about the dance and realizes that Catherine didn’t want to bring him, he is deeply hurt and upset.

Falling Action: Catherine apologizes and invites Jason to the dance, truly hoping that he will come. When Jason arrives, Kristi is mad at Catherine for not being honest about Jason’s disability, and Catherine realizes what Kristi is really like. Catherine and Jason have a wonderful time at the dance.

Resolution: Catherine realizes the meaning of true friendship and acceptance of all people, and sees her special relationship with her brother in a new light.