LEARNING INTENTIONS
We are learning:
- to identify different narrative features
- to distinguish between a linear and non-linear narrative
- to create a non-linear narrative
- to use dialogue for effect
Why:
- to improve your narrative writing skills
- to demonstrate your understanding of narrative structure
- to practise your drafting and proofreading skills
INFORMATION
A narrative is a particular text type, and as such it has particular rules that you need to follow when writing one of your own. One of the first things that you need to consider is the structure of the plot (or story). A typical story structure is:
*Orientation – this is the ‘introduction’ where key characters and setting are introduces. It is important that you grab your reader’s attention during this stage – no one wants to read more of a story that they find boring right from the beginning!
*Complication – this is where things really get interesting. The complication is the problem that needs to be solved or overcome. The complication can be external (for example, an issue between two characters) or internal (where the conflict is within a character, for example, they may be choosing between two different courses of action).
*Resolution – this is where the complication is resolved and the story is wrapped up.
Getting Started:
Multiple viewpoints, if used well, can add depth and interest to a story. However, it is important to think about how each character would view different events, and also how you will use each viewpoint to enhance your meaning. Click on the link to read the beginning of Ursula Le Guin’s short story ‘Sleepwalkers‘. While you are reading, think about how each character views the same things completely differently. Whose point of view do you trust?
