This lesson plan helps students map the plot structure of *The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald using a five-panel storyboard.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 10–12 · Time: 30–45 minutes
Plot diagram
| Beat | Events | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | Nick moves to West Egg. He learns about his neighbor Gatsby. He visits Tom and Myrtle in the Valley of Ashes. | 1–2 |
| Rising action | Nick attends Gatsby's party. He learns Gatsby loves Daisy. Gatsby and Daisy reunite. Tom grows suspicious. | 3–5 |
| Climax | The confrontation at the Plaza Hotel. Tom exposes Gatsby. Daisy chooses Tom. Myrtle is killed by Gatsby's car (driven by Daisy). | 6–7 |
| Falling action | Gatsby waits for Daisy's call. Tom tells Wilson that Gatsby owned the car. Wilson shoots Gatsby, then himself. | 8 |
| Resolution | Nick arranges Gatsby's funeral. No one comes. Nick returns to the Midwest, disillusioned. | 9 |
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