The Essential Parts of a Narrative

The Essential Parts of a Narrative

Narratives are also known as stories. “The Three Little Pigs” is an example of a narrative.

Essential Parts of a Narrative Narrative

Character

Setting

Plot

Character:  A character can be a person, animal, or imaginary creature

 There are usually 1 or 2 main characters in a narrative  There can be many secondary characters in a narrative

Characterization: the technique an author uses to present and develop a character Indirect Characterization

Direct Characterization

The reader draws conclusions based on words and actions of all characters

The author makes straight forward comments describing the characters

Example: “She grabbed me by the hair and yanked me from the chair. She punched me in the side of the head and threw me to the floor.” (page 45)

Example: “Oh Martha’s wonderful. She would even hum to you.” (page 207)

Protagonist

Antagonist

 The central character in a literary work

 The character or force that opposes the protagonist in a work of literature

Example: Jennings is the protagonist in They Cage the Animals at Night.

Example: The “system” is the antagonist in They Cage the Animals at Night.

Setting: Setting refers to where the story takes place.  The time (ex. future, past, present)  The place (ex. outer space, Jones Beach, Julie’s house

Plot:

the series of related events in a literary work; often follows a pattern The plot must: have a beginning, middle, and end tell events in a logical order Contain EXPOSITION, RISING ACTION, a PROBLEM or CONFLICT, a CLIMAX, FALLING ACTION, and a RESOLUTION

Plot Diagram: Climax Conflict Falling Action

Rising Action

Exposition

BEGINNING

Resolution

MIDDLE

END

Definitions: EXPOSITION: A fancy word for the beginning of the story. This is where the characters and setting are introduced. RISING ACTION: In this part of the story the conflict(s) occur, tension builds, and the story moves toward the climax. CONFLICT: The problem or struggle between opposing forces. There can be many conflicts leading up to the climax CLIMAX: The pivotal moment in a story when the protagonist is faced with a choice which will effect the outcome of the story. FALLING ACTION: The events that happen after the climax which usually wrap up the action and lead to the resolution. RESOLUTION: The conclusion of the story in which we see the outcome of the main conflict.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your introduction to the essential elements of a narrative.