Narrative Basics
What is narrative?
A story or account of events, real or imaginary.
What do we call the main character of a story?
The protagonist.
What do we call the beginning of a story where characters and setting are introduced?
The exposition.
What is setting?
The time and place of the story.
What do we call words that appeal to the five senses?
Sensory details.
Name two purposes of narrative writing.
To entertain, to teach a lesson, or to share an experience.
What do we call the person or force opposing the main character?
The antagonist.
What do we call the turning point of a story?
The climax.
Name one point of view a story can be written in.
First person, third person limited, or third person omniscient.
What is a hook in narrative writing?
An opening sentence/idea that grabs the reader’s attention.
What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction narratives?
Fiction is imagined/made up; non-fiction is based on real events.
Give one way an author can describe a character.
Through description, actions, thoughts, dialogue, or others’ opinions.
Put these in order: rising action, climax, resolution.
Rising action → climax → resolution.
What is dialogue and why is it used?
Conversation between characters; it shows personality and moves the plot forward.
What does “show, don’t tell” mean?
To describe through actions, thoughts, and senses instead of directly stating feelings.
What are the three main parts of a narrative structure?
Beginning (exposition), middle (rising action/climax), end (resolution).
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?
Direct = author tells you (e.g., “She was kind”);
Indirect = shown through actions/words (e.g., “She shared her lunch with a friend”).
What is conflict? Name one type.
A struggle between opposing forces (examples: person vs. person, person vs. nature, person vs. self, person vs. society).
What is foreshadowing?
A hint or clue about something that will happen later in the story.
Give one example of figurative language used in narratives.
Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.
What makes a narrative different from an informational essay?
Narratives tell a story; informational essays explain or inform.
Why is character development important in narratives?
It makes the story believable and helps readers connect with characters.
What is the difference between internal and external conflict?
Internal = struggle within a character (e.g., guilt, fear).
External = struggle with outside force (e.g., villain, storm).
What is theme? Give an example.
The central idea or lesson (example: “Friendship is stronger than fear”).
Why is using vivid verbs better than simple verbs in narrative writing?
They create a more vivid, engaging picture for the reader.