This lesson plan helps students map the plot structure of *To Kill a Mockingbird* by Harper Lee using a five-panel storyboard.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 8–11 · Time: 30–45 minutes
Plot diagram
| Beat | Events | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | Scout and Jem live in Maycomb with Atticus. They are fascinated by Boo Radley. Summer arrives, Dill visits. | 1–4 |
| Rising action | Atticus defends Tom Robinson. The children face prejudice. The trial begins. Atticus presents evidence proving Tom's innocence. | 5–21 |
| Climax | The jury convicts Tom Robinson despite clear evidence of his innocence. Atticus appeals. Tom is killed trying to escape. | 22–25 |
| Falling action | Bob Ewell seeks revenge. He attacks Scout and Jem on Halloween night. Boo Radley saves them, killing Ewell. | 26–29 |
| Resolution | Scout walks Boo home. She stands on his porch and sees the world from his perspective. Sheriff Tate decides Ewell fell on his own knife. | 30–31 |
Activity: Plot diagram storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 5-panel layout
- Label each panel with the story beat
- For each beat, illustrate the key event and add a caption
- Include page or chapter numbers for evidence
- Export PDF or share a live link
Discussion questions
- Where does the real climax occur — the trial or the attack?
- How does the subplot (Boo Radley) connect to the main plot (the trial)?
- Why does Harper Lee use Scout as the narrator?