1. The Essential Parts of a Narrative

2. Narratives are also known as stories.
“The Three Little Pigs” is an example of a narrative.

3. Essential Parts of a Narrative

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. Setting refers to where the story takes place.
The time (ex. future, past, present)
The place (ex. outer space, Jones Beach, Julie’s house

8. 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

9. Plot Diagram: Exposition Rising Action Conflict Climax Falling Action
Resolution
BEGINNING MIDDLE END

10. 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.

11. Congratulations!
You have successfully completed your introduction to the essential elements of a narrative.