Narrative Elements
This is where and when the story takes place.
What is setting?
Mary is struggling to decide whether to stay in school or to drop out and get a job.
What is character vs. self?
This is the equivalent of the exposition in fiction (and other genres).
What is the introduction? - (includes the hook, background, context, thesis, etc.)
This is the type of thesis statement often used for narrative writing.
What is an implied thesis statement?
The first step in our actual writing process that must be turned in with the first draft of the essay.
What are the prewriting/brainstorming notes?
These are the events of the story.
What is the plot?
The man shivered as he tried to build a fire in the freezing cold. He finally got the fire started when snow fell from a tree and extinguished the flames.
What is character vs. nature?
This equates to the rising action.
What is the first body paragraph - and the point in the story when the conflict first appears?
This is a way to make narrative writing more feeling and engaging by using sensory details instead of just saying something directly.
What is "show, don't tell?"
When we review a peer's essay, we provide this to help them revise their essay. (The instructor provides this also)
What is feedback? (suggestions, comments, constructive criticism, etc.)
There is always a protagonist and sometimes an antagonist and/or secondary ones.
What are characters?
Now irate, the shopper grabbed the item away from the clerk and yelled that he would like to speak to the manager.
What is character vs. character?
This is the same as the climax.
What is the second body paragraph - and the height of tension and the point of change/decision in the story?
This is the way the narrative sounds based on the perspective from which the story is told.
What is "voice?"
These should be read carefully before beginning any major writing assignment.
What are the instructions and rubric?
This is the tension in the story. It is often the vehicle for growth and learning.
What is conflict?
Brianna frantically hit the escape key, but she could not escape the blue screen of death.
What is character vs. technology?
This is the equivalent of the falling action.
What is the third body paragraph - and the result of the character's choice/decision and moment of resolution?
This is how to ensure that the narrative does not read merely like a grocery list of events.
What is "including the significance of the events" or the way the events affected the writer, or showing how the events made the writer grow as a person, etc.?
All first drafts need to go through this process to improve their quality and readability.
What is revision, or editing?
This is the big idea, main message, and/or moral of the story.
What is theme?
Even though she is frightened, Starr testifies before the grand jury and tells the truth about the night the police killed her friend.
What is character vs. society (or the government)?
This is the same as the resolution.
What is the conclusion - and the moral or lesson of the story?
This is the "universal truth" in our narrative that readers can identify with.
What is the "moral of the story" or lesson learned?
This is the tone we use when providing feedback on our peer's writing.
What is courteous and constructive?