Six Elements of a Narrative

Plot The sequence of events that take place

in a story.

Setting The time and place in which the

events of a story take place.

Characterization The methods used to present the personality of a character in a narrative.

Direct--the author describes the character. Example--She was a large woman with a large purse.

Indirect--the reader judges what the character is like based on what they say or do, or what other characters say about them. Example--We believe the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" is crazy because he talks nervously and frequently repeats himself.

Atmosphere The general mood or feeling established in a piece of literature.

Word Choice--the author uses words that make the reader feel a certain way. A spooky atmosphere is created in "The Tell-Tale Heart" through the use of words like "hideous," "marrow," "chilled," and "nervous."

Pacing--the author controls the speed at which we read through sentence length, punctuation, repetition of words and other techniques.

Point of View Who is Narrating the story?

First person: the narrator uses "I" to tell the action, and is involved in the story. 

Third person: the story is told from a

perspective outside the story. The characters are referred to by name, or as he, she or they.

The Lighthouse’s Tale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pvf9kkoi4k&list=RD021Pvf9kkoi4k

Conflict The central that drives the story.

Internal: The conflict happens in a character's mind. A character with a guilty conscience is an example of internal conflict.  

External: The conflict happens between characters, or between a character and some outside force, like nature. Sherlock Holmes pursuing a criminal is an example of external conflict.

Good Will Narrative Choose any object you feel drawn too. Tell the story of your object.

› Where did it come from?› Who was its previous owner?› What happened to the object and/or its

owner that it ended up on a shelf at Goodwill?

Don’t forget some basics!

› Exposition› Rising Action› Climax› Falling Action› Resolution

The Specs-The minimums First Person Object must be Personified Your final copy must be typed.

› 250-300 words› Font: Times New Roman› 12-Point› Double-spaced› Illustrated Cover Page

What Grade Do You Want? “C” papers will

have:› the minimum length of

250-300 words.› First Person› Object must be

Personified› Minimum of 1 other

character› Your final copy must be

typed.› Font: Times New Roman› 12-Point› Double-spaced› Illustrated Cover Page

“B” 400-500 words 2-3 characters

“A” 500+ words 4+ characters

When is it Due?

Working Draft is due › Wednesday, September 10th

› Be prepared to share your story with your peers.