Turn a story into a mind map of plot, characters and themes
Upload a short story, novel chapter or class notes. You get an editable mind map with branches for setting, conflict, characters and theme that you can expand, rearrange and study.
How a story mind map helps you read and write about fiction
A story mind map maker works best when it follows the parts of a story you already know: setting, characters, conflict, and how the plot moves from beginning to end. Upload a PDF, DOCX file or photos of your reading notes, and the map comes back with those parts as editable branches you can rearrange and expand.
- Plot branch: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution in order
- Character branch: protagonist, antagonist and any foil, with each one's main goal
- Conflict branch: internal struggles and external conflicts, including conflict with society or nature
- Theme branch: the main ideas the story returns to, each linked to a scene that shows it
Branches from your own text
The map is built from the PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes or page photos you upload, so it reflects your actual reading rather than a generic template.
Editable and explorable
Rename nodes, move branches, add quotes or page numbers, and collapse sections to focus on one part of the story at a time.
Study from the map
Turn map topics into flashcards or quiz questions with spaced repetition, so the story details stick before your exam or discussion.
How it works
Upload your reading
Add a PDF, DOCX, plain text file or photos of the pages. No credit card is needed to start.
Review the generated map
Check the central node, the main branches and the sub-points. Fix anything that does not match the text.
Edit and explore
Add your own interpretations, expand the branches you care about most, and export when you are on a paid plan.
Start with the title of the work at the center, then keep the major branches to plot, characters, setting, point of view and theme. Add quotes or page numbers as sub-branches so you can find evidence quickly when you draft an essay or prepare for a discussion.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I map the plot of a short story?
List the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution in order, then add the key event under each one. Keep each node to a few words so the branches stay readable.
What should a character branch include in a story mind map?
Name each character and label their role, such as protagonist, antagonist or foil. Add their main goal and how they change by the end, then link them to the conflicts they drive.
Is the story mind map maker free to use?
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Exports and unlimited generations are included in the Plus plan, which costs $39/year or $7.99/month.
Can I upload a photo of a printed story or my class notes?
Yes. You can upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or images, and photos of pages are read with text recognition.
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