Elements of a Narrative

Elements of a Narrative

Plot:  The development of a story

Setting:  the time and place in which the events of a story take place.

Characterization:  the different ways to present the personality of a character.

  • Direct-the author describes the character.
  • Indirect-the reader judges what the character is like based on what they say or do, or what other characters say about them.

Atmosphere:  the general mood or feeling established in a story. Atmosphere is created through word choice and pacing.

Point of View:  Who is narrating the story.

  • Two types: First Person | Third Person
    First person
    :  the narrator uses “I” to tell the action, and is involved in the story.
    Third person:  the story is told from a perspective outside the story.

*Each Point of view could also be either Omniscient, or limited.
Omniscient: A method of storytelling in which the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story
Limited: Narrator tells the story from one character’s perspective.

Conflict: the problem that drives the story.

  • Two types of conflict:
    Internal:  The conflict happens in a character’s mind.  Example: A character who doesn’t want to tell a lie.
    External:  The conflict happens between characters, or between a character and some outside force, like nature.  Example: A superhero chasing a bank robber.

 

*http://www.flocabulary.com/fivethings/

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