How do I make a story map?

Type the story or narrative into the prompt box, include the grade level and which story elements you want, choose a style (Classic, Colorful, or Minimal), then click Generate. Figviz produces a print-ready story map graphic organizer. Refine the description and regenerate as many times as you like until it fits your lesson.

Is the story map generator free?

Yes. Every Figviz account starts with free credits you can use right away, no credit card required. Buying a pay-as-you-go credit pack removes the watermark and unlocks 4K export resolution for large printing. Credits never expire.

What are the main story elements on a story map?

A story map usually includes five core story elements: characters, setting, problem or conflict, events (often split into beginning, middle, and end), and resolution or solution. Figviz can build a story map around all five elements, or focus on a subset such as beginning, middle, and end for younger students.

Can I generate a blank story map template?

Yes. Describe the layout you want, for example "a blank story map with boxes for characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution," and Figviz will generate an empty template you can print and fill in by hand. This is great for guided reading groups and for co-creating a story map with your class.

Are there story maps for kindergarten and first grade?

Yes. For kindergarten and first grade, ask for a picture-friendly story map with large drawing boxes and simple labels such as Characters, Setting, and What Happened, or a beginning, middle, and end retelling map. Figviz keeps the text light and leaves plenty of space for young students to draw.

AI-Powered

Story Map Generator Story Maps

Describe any story and get a printable story map graphic organizer in seconds. Map characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution for any narrative. Great for reading, writing, and ELA lessons.

Last updated: 2026-06-21

✓Characters, setting, problem and resolution✓Blank templates and worked examples✓Classic, colorful and minimal styles✓Free for teachers and students

Story Map Generator

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Story Map Examples

Browse story maps made with Figviz, or generate your own above

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Blank Story Map Template

A clean blank story map template with labeled boxes for characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution, ready to fill in by hand or digitally.

templateblankprintable

Story Elements Map

A story elements map that breaks a narrative into its core parts: characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution.

story elementsreadingELA

Beginning Middle End Story Map

A simple three-part story map that helps young readers retell a story in order with beginning, middle, and end panels.

beginning middle endretellingprimary

Narrative Arc Story Map

A narrative arc story map that follows the plot mountain shape, mapping exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

narrative arcplotmiddle school

Character Setting Plot Map

A story map that focuses on the relationship between character, setting, and plot, helping students see how the elements connect.

charactersettingplot

Story Map for Kindergarten

A picture-friendly story map for kindergarten and first grade with large drawing boxes and simple one-word labels.

kindergartenfirst gradeprimary

What is a story map graphic organizer?

A story map is a graphic organizer that helps students break a narrative into its core elements: characters, setting, problem or conflict, the main events (beginning, middle, and end), and the resolution or solution. Teachers use story maps during reading to build comprehension and during writing to plan an original story. A story map graphic organizer gives students a clear visual structure so they can see how a narrative fits together. Figviz turns a short description into a ready-to-print story map in seconds, with no drawing or design work required.

How to make a story map with Figviz

Choose your story: type in the book, fairy tale, or personal narrative you want to map, for example "The Three Little Pigs" or "my summer vacation story."

Add detail: mention the grade level and which story elements you want included, such as characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution.

Pick a style: Classic keeps the layout simple, Colorful uses bright color-coded boxes that engage younger students, and Minimal works well for clean printable handouts.

Choose an orientation: portrait (3:4) suits a single-page handout, landscape (4:3) fits a narrative arc across the page, and square (1:1) exports cleanly for digital platforms.

Generate and refine: click Generate Story Map, then adjust your description and regenerate until the boxes and labels match your lesson.

Download and print: export at 4K resolution for a crisp handout or a poster-size classroom display.

Story elements explained

Characters: the people, animals, or figures the story is about. A story map usually asks for the main character and any supporting characters, plus a few describing words or traits.

Setting: where and when the story takes place. This can include the location, the time period, and the mood of the place.

Problem or conflict: the challenge the main character faces. This drives the story forward and is sometimes called the conflict.

Events: the main things that happen, often split into beginning, middle, and end so students can retell the story in order.

Resolution or solution: how the problem is solved and how the story ends. This is sometimes called the resolution, the solution, or the ending.

Story maps by grade level

Kindergarten and first grade: use a picture-friendly story map with large drawing boxes and simple labels such as Characters, Setting, and What Happened. Beginning, middle, and end panels work well for retelling.

Second and third grade: introduce a full five-element story map with characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution, plus short written sentences in each box.

Fourth and fifth grade: add a narrative arc story map that maps exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution to deepen plot analysis.

Middle school: use story maps for richer texts and for planning original narratives, asking students to add theme, point of view, and character motivation alongside the core elements.

Can I get a blank story map template?

Yes. To generate a blank story map template, describe the structure you want, for example "a blank story map with boxes for characters, setting, problem, beginning, middle, end, and resolution." Figviz will draw the layout with empty labeled boxes and ruled lines you can print and fill in by hand, or annotate digitally in any PDF editor. Blank story maps are ideal for guided reading groups, independent practice, and co-creating a map with the class while you read a story together.

Frequently asked questions

A story map graphic organizer is a visual tool that breaks a narrative into its core elements: characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution. With Figviz, you describe the story or the elements you want, and the AI designs a labeled story map you can print or share digitally, in seconds.

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