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

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 Direct Characterization The author makes straight forward comments describing the characters Example: “Oh Martha’s wonderful. She would even hum to you.” (page 207) Indirect Characterization The reader draws conclusions based on words and actions of all 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)

Antagonist Protagonist The central character in a literary work Example: Jennings is the protagonist in They Cage the Animals at Night. The character or force that opposes the protagonist in a work of literature Example: The “system” is the antagonist in They Cage the Animals at Night.

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: Exposition Rising Action Conflict Climax Falling Action Resolution BEGINNING 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.