This lesson plan helps students map the plot structure of *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger using a five-panel storyboard.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 9–11 · Time: 30–45 minutes
Plot diagram
| Beat | Events | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | Holden is expelled from Pencey Prep. He wanders around the school, feeling alienated. He decides to leave early. | 1–4 |
| Rising action | Holden takes the train to New York. He checks into a hotel, goes to bars, hires a prostitute (who only sits and talks), and goes on a date with Sally Hayes. | 5–15 |
| Climax | Holden visits Mr. Antolini, who makes an uncomfortable advance. Holden flees and spends the night in Grand Central Station. | 24–25 |
| Falling action | Holden sneaks home to see Phoebe. He gives her his red hunting hat. He takes her to the carousel and watches her ride. | 22–25 |
| Resolution | Holden is in a rest home, telling his story. He says he misses everyone he told about. He is beginning to heal. | 26 |
Activity: Plot diagram storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 5-panel layout
- Label each panel with the story beat
- Illustrate the key event for each beat
- Add captions with chapter numbers
- Export PDF or share a live link