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CogniGuide

Story Concept Map: Elements of a Narrative

See how a story breaks into characters, setting, plot and theme. Then build your own map from a reading or a text file.

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CogniGuide at a glance

What you get
Interactive mind maps of the main ideas and how they connect. Free: overview maps (detailed maps on your first 3 creations). Plus: detailed maps with supporting concepts.
Exports
Your first PDF or PNG export is free; Plus exports anytime.
Price
Free plan: 5 creations a week, up to 3 a day. Plus: $9.99/month or $99.90/year (USD; local prices at checkout).
Sign-up
A free account is required before you create anything (Google or email). No credit card.
What you can upload
PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), plain text or Markdown, and images (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF), or type a topic. One file per creation on the free plan; several at once on Plus.

How it compares: vs Knowt · vs Quizlet · vs NotebookLM · vs Mapify

Why map a story visually

A visual map keeps the story's parts and their links in one view.

Build from your own text

Upload a PDF, Word file or plain text of the story, and the AI maps its key parts.

Expand any branch

Open a character or plot node with AI to add detail, quotes or cause and effect.

Test your recall

Turn the finished map into a quiz, or make flashcards from the same notes.

How to make a story concept map

Three steps from a story to a study-ready map.

  1. 1

    Add the story

    Upload the text as a file, or type the title and author to start.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI sorts the story into characters, setting, plot events and theme.

  3. 3

    Study and quiz

    Expand branches, edit nodes, then export or quiz yourself on the story.

Story concept map structure and uses

A concept map of a story is a diagram that shows the main parts of a narrative and how they connect. It usually starts with the characters, the setting and the point of view, then follows the plot through its conflict, climax and resolution. Many maps also add the theme and key quotes, so students can see why events happen.

  • Characters: protagonist, antagonist and supporting roles
  • Setting: time, place and social context
  • Plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action
  • Conflict: internal or external problem driving the story
  • Theme: the central message and the evidence for it

Use the map to review for a test, plan an essay or retell the story clearly. CogniGuide can build a personalized story map from your own reading notes.

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Story concept map questions

Answers on story maps and making your own with CogniGuide.

What are the main parts of a story map?

Most story maps include characters, setting, conflict, plot events in order, climax, resolution and theme. Some add point of view and key quotes as supporting details for each branch.

Why is a concept map useful for reading a story?

It shows how events connect to characters and conflict, which helps with comprehension, essay planning and retelling the plot in order.

Which files can I use to make my own story map?

You can upload a PDF, Word (DOCX) or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image of the text. You can also type the story title to start.

Can I turn a story map into a quiz?

Yes. CogniGuide can turn a finished mind map into a quiz to test your recall of the story.