The Fault in Our Stars Summary

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 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. 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 The Fault in Our Stars Plot Diagram

Exposition

Hazel knows her lifespan is limited. Hazel's breathing is severely limited due to the cancer in her lungs, and she breathes with the help of a portable oxygen tank and tubes.

Conflict

Hazel makes friends with a cancer-survivor named Augustus, but does not want to become romantically involved with him to avoid breaking his heart when she dies.

Rising Action

Hazel and Augustus grow closer together through a shared love of the book An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. They write to Van Houten to find out the details of his unfinished ending, and when he refuses to tell them, they plan a trip to visit him.

Climax

Hazel and Augustus are disappointed by Peter Van Houten in Amsterdam, but they grow closer together as a result of the trip. Hazel agrees to begin a romantic relationship with Augustus only to learn that his cancer has returned and cannot be treated.

Falling Action

As Augustus's health deteriorates, Hazel and Gus grow closer together and help each other deal with their physical and emotional pain.

Resolution

Augustus dies, but Hazel is grateful to have loved him and feels comforted by the eulogy he left behind for her.