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.