Narrative elements

5 narrative elements in a short story

Character
Theme
Plot
Point of view
Setting
CHARACTER
Important areas to consider when character is revealed INDIRECTLY by
the writer:
Actions
Dialogue
Physical description
Reactions (to other characters and events)
THEME
A central idea that runs through the literary work
merges in and through the development of characters! settings! plot
movement and changes
The theme(s) are usually e"pressed as a general o#servation of people
or the world we live in
The theme may #e stated or implied
PLOT
A series of related events selected #y the author to present and #ring
a#out the resolution of some conflict or pro#lem
The events in a story follow a pattern$
%$ "position& the story #egins! introduction of characters! setting and
scene are revealed! action ' conflict #egin
($ Complication& conflict or pro#lem developed from the pro#lems
characters encounter
)$ Rising action& several events! which show the character wrestling with
the story*s main conflict$
+$ Clima"& usually the turning point in the story eg $ Character makes a
decision! high point in action etc$
,$ Resolution& Conflict is resolved - solution is introduced! ending can #e
positive or negative
POINT OF VIEW
Also known as narrative view point
Some common narrative viewpoints&
.irst person su#/ective& narrator (the person who tells the story) is ma/or -
minor character0 reader knows more than the narrator 1 uses 23* eg$ in
Phone Call
Third person omniscient& narrator (the person who tells the story) is a
person outside the story who knows all the events and characters 1 eg$
in After 4ou! 5y Dear Alphonse0 The Rain#ow 6ird ' The 3nvaders
SETTIN
Place
Time
Physical environment
Social environment