Story map template - Mind Map
A story map is a strategy that uses a graphic organizer to help you learn the elements of a book or story. By identifying story characters, plot, setting, problem, and the solution you will learn the details.
Keywords: literature, writing
Story map template
Use this story map template to learn the elements of a book or story. It is a graphic organizer, where you can identify story characters, plot, setting, challenges, and motivation of the main character, obstacles he/she encounters, and how he surpasses them.
Title of your story
To name your story, you have to think about the overall message and what you want your audience to understand from the story. Also, make it relevant and easy to remember.
CLOSING
The ending of a story is essential. We all know that if the ending is weak, what happened before loses its importance. So make it unpredictable, but fair. A resolved ending answers all the questions and ties up any loose threads from the plot.
OUTCOME
This is the closure section of the story.
See examples of possible outcomes below:
- all problems have been solved
- it's clear how each one of your characters ends up
- your main character is transformed by the challenge
Outcomes
Try answering these questions to come up with a closure:
- Have all the problems been solved?
- Is there a clear picture of what happens with each character in the story?
- Has the challenge transformed your main character?
- How do the characters feel in the end?
CLIMAX
This is the moment when the main character surpasses the last obstacle and finally faces their greatest challenge.
The climax usually follows one of these patterns:
- realization
- resolution
- choice
Type in your answer.
How does your main character finally solve the problem?
MIDDLE
The middle of the story is where you add layers of complications that will lead to the end. Reveal more about the character's journey. Did their personality go through changes? How did they overcome the challenges? And as you build up the story’s central conflict, make it more personal to that character. Also, from the middle act, you have to lead into the final act.
OBSTACLES
There wouldn't be any tension and excitement in your story if there weren't any obstacles in your character's way.
What prevents your character from accomplishing their goal?
A story is nothing more than a character overcoming a series of difficulties to reach the desired goal. Obstacles usually create suspense and conflict. In overcoming obstacles, there is growth: weak becomes strong; hatred turns into love; sadness into happiness; wrong into right; lies into truth; or evil becomes good.
See a few examples below:
- stopping a meteor
- finding a killer
- finding love
Obstacles
MOTIVATION
Your character(s) need(s) motivation in order to solve the challenge(s).
Other character
Secondary characters might also have motives that lead them to cross paths with the main character or which might trigger them to help the main character.
Main character
Why does your character need to confront this challenge? What does he/she expect to accomplish by solving it?
See a few examples:
- will marry in 3 days
- can fix the mistakes of the past
Motivation
CHALLENGE
Each story has a main character and that character usually needs to solve a problem or challenge. The character's challenge is the one that creates tension throughout the story.
Other Challenges
Type in any other challenges which other characters in the story need to face.
Other challenges
What are the main challenges in your story?
In most stories, there are 3 challenges. The number 3 is a mystical number symbolizing completeness. Try to come up with interesting challenges with which your character needs to struggle.
See a few examples below:
- turns into a werewolf at night
- is sent back in time
Challenges
BEGINNING
In the beginning of the story (or the exposition), you will need to introduce the setting and characters. You might also want to introduce the main conflict. This part of the story is important because it gives the reader necessary background information and maybe even a first insight into a character’s personality.
SETTING
The setting (time & place) of a story can change throughout the plot.
Sensory detail
Sensory details include sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. These details are important because they create depth in your setting.
See a few examples below:
- the smell of fresh bread
- the scent of freshly cut grass
- rain falling onto the windshield etc.
Sensory details
Weather
The weather is an important element in your story because it can highly influence the ambiance and the mood of the characters.
Catastrophic event
Does your story include catastrophic weather? See a few suggestions below or add your own:
- hurricane, earthquake, storm, etc
Time
The time of the story can also change. It can describe the event of a single day or can include an entire year's plot. Anyway, don't forget to mention it.
Time of plot
Where does the story takes place?
Your story can take place wherever your imagination will take you to.
For example: in an elevator, in an enchanted forest, etc. Don't forget to give details of the environment each time the setting changes, otherwise, the story can be confusing. Also, mention the seasons as each of them has unique weather and events.
Location
CHARACTERS
Characters are essential to a good story. Usually, the protagonist(s) is/are the most affected by the plot. Introduce a character by focusing on their actions, interests, and occupation, as the physical appearance doesn't make a difference in most cases.
Character's name
Type in the name of your character.
Other
Add other qualities/attributes of the character.
Main Goal
What is your character's main goal?
Character traits
Which traits best describe the character's personality? Choose more if necessary:
Type of character
Choose the type of your chacter:
Waarom een Mindomo mindmap template gebruiken?
Mindmappen helpen je brainstormen, relaties leggen tussen concepten, organiseren en ideeën genereren.
Mindmapsjablonen bieden echter een eenvoudigere manier om aan de slag te gaan, omdat het kaders zijn die informatie bevatten over een specifiek onderwerp met begeleidende instructies. In essentie zorgen mindmapsjablonen voor de structuur die alle elementen van een specifiek onderwerp combineert en als startpunt dient voor je persoonlijke mindmap. Ze zijn een hulpmiddel om een praktische oplossing te bieden voor het maken van een mindmap over een bepaald onderwerp, zowel voor het bedrijfsleven als voor het onderwijs.
Mindomo brengt je slimme mindmap templates waarmee je moeiteloos kunt functioneren en denken.
Een sjabloon heeft verschillende functionaliteiten:
Beschrijvende onderwerpen
Onderwerpen met achtergrondtekst
Standaard tak
De sjabloongegevens verwijderen
Je kunt kiezen uit verschillende mind map templates van Mindomo's zakelijke of educatieve accounts, of je kunt je eigen mind map templates maken. Elke mindmap kan getransformeerd worden in een mindmap template map door extra notities toe te voegen aan één van de onderwerpen.
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