Narrative Writing (Watterson)

Writing a Narrative When we write narratives, we want: To develop real, or imagined experiences or events using effective technique To develop well-chosen details To develop well-structured sequence of events To set up a problem, situation, or observation To establish one or multiple point(s) of view To introduce a narrator and/or characters To create a smooth progression of experiences or events.

Basic elements of a narrative work Plot: The chain of related events that explains to us what happens in a story. The plot of a narrative is shaped by the events that unfold. It typically includes a conflict or problem, a climax, and a resolution. The plot also involves the structure or arrangement of the events. Conflict A struggle between two opposing characters or forces Inciting Incident: The moment in the plot when the rising action starts. It is when the plot turns from exposition to the rising action. It is typically the moment where the conflict is established. (“What”)

Developing plot – Inciting incident (Watterson)

Basic elements of a narrative work Character: A person, animal, or imaginary creature in a story, play, narrative, or another literary work. Characters are developed in a story through their actions, words and descriptive traits. Characters are categorized as a protagonist or antagonist, depending on their role in the events that transpire. Protagonist – the main character in the story; does not have to be a “hero” character Antagonist – the who, or what, that is against the protagonist. (“What”)

Basic elements of a narrative work Setting: The time and place of a story. The setting of a story describes the environment that events take place in. It includes location, time period, culture, mood and other atmospheric qualities. Theme: The general idea or message about life that is revealed through a work of literature – the greater idea that can be applied to all humanity. The theme is the central idea of a story or narrative. It is the purpose behind why the story was written. Themes often involve an issue, lesson or cause that is represented in the story. (“What”)

Basic elements of a narrative work Point of View: The point of view relates to the perspective that the story is told from. There are typically 3 types of perspectives in a narrative. 1st person narration: The author tells the story from a character’s perspective living within the story. ”I” and “we” statements are used to do the telling. Limited 3rd person narration: The author uses the perspective of a character within the story, but the story is actually told by a narrator outside of the story. “He”, “She”, ”It” and “They” statements are used. 3rd person omniscient narration: The author uses a “god-like” perspective to tell the story. “He”, “She”, ”It” and “They” statements are used. (“What”)

Basic elements of a narrative work Tone & Atmosphere: Tone is created by the feelings portrayed by the characters. The atmosphere, and environment of a story may also contribute to the tone. In addition, imagery or symbolism are employed as narrative elements in some types of stories. Tone is the attitude that either the characters, or the narrator take towards the situations, events, environments, or people within the narrative. Atmosphere is the environment of the story. It can add to to the setting and the plot development by creating mood, using imagery, and using symbolism. (Think: Old, creepy mansion is the atmosphere for a zombie movie. It helps to build suspense and drama). Symbolism is the use of works or objects to stand for something else. Like in “Alma” by the end of the movie, we could tell that the dolls were symbols for the lost souls/children who had come before Alma. (“What”)

Creating the narrative (Watterson)

Narrative Techniques Dialogue – what the characters say to one another in a story, narrative, or non-fiction text. Pacing – The timing of the story. Often used to develop suspense within a plot. The pacing of a story helps to add to the dramatic or comedic impact. Description – the details that develop the characters, plot, setting, theme, and point of view of a narrative. Imagery: When the author incorporates details that appeal to the 5 senses (hearing, smell, sight, touch, and taste) into the narrative They also add to the mood and tone of a story through the reflection of the characters or of the narrator. Reflection – when the characters or the narrator look back on what has happened and determine why those things were important to the narrative’s forward movement.

There is a lot to put into a narrative’s development (Watterson)

PLot Plot of a narrative is made up of things that characters do, think, feel, or say Each of the events in the plot must be important to the outcome of the story. The events in the plot must be sequenced so they build upon one another to create a whole. Sometimes a narrative can have multiple plot lines. This means that there may be a major story happening, and then a minor story may also be taking place on the outside of the major story line.

Plot structure

Resolution (Watterson)

Conflict Every story has a conflict - a struggle between two opposing forces. The conflict may be between two people The conflict may be between a person and some other force Every story revolves around conflict and it's important for you to understand the various kinds of conflict. Internal Conflict is a struggle that occurs within the main character. This struggle happens within the character's own mind. External Conflict is a struggle that the main character has with another character, with society, or with a natural force.

Internal conflict (Watterson)

Final questions and points What is a narrative essay? When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways. If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story. This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion. (Purdue Owl)

Final questions and points When would a narrative essay not be written as a story? A good example of this is when an instructor asks a student to write a book report. Obviously, this would not necessarily follow the pattern of a story and would focus on providing an informative narrative for the reader. The essay should have a purpose. Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all? (Purdue Owl)

Final questions and points The essay should be written from a clear point of view. It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays often times manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective. Use clear and concise language throughout the essay. Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader. (Purdue Owl)

Final questions and points The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed. Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction. As always, be organized! Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead). (Purdue Owl)

The way to get an “A” – wink wink (Watterson)

Works Cited The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue U, 2008, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl. Accessed 26 Sept. 2016. Watterson, Bill. ”Calvin and Hobbes Writing strips." GoComics, http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes. Accessed 26 Sept. 2016. “What are Narrative Elements?” Reference*. https://www.reference.com/art- literature/narrative-elements-3c03324aaa710fa6?qo=cdpArticles. Accessed 26 Sept. 2016.