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Elements of Narrative Writing
Elements of Narrative Writing
Narrative
Writing
Choice Writing Assignment
Quarter 1
The Seven Elements:
Plot
Setting
Atmosphere
Characterization
Theme
Point of View
Figurative Language &Literary Devices
Plot
Whathappens in the story; the events that
occur from beginning to end.
All plots have a conflict, which is a struggle
between forces. Common conflict choices
are:
Human vs. Human
Human vs. Nature
Human vs. Society
Human vs. Him/Herself
Setting
TheWHEN and WHERE the story occurs
(time and place).
Place: The geographical location; where
does the action of the story take place?
Time: When is the story taking place?
(historical period, time of day, year, etc.)
Setting
Weather Conditions: Is it hot and sunny?
Rainy and cold? Snowing, etc.
Social Conditions: What is the daily life of
the characters like? Does the story
mention mannerisms, clothing ,dialect,
etc. of a particular place?
Characterization
Protagonist: The main character or “hero”
of the story. The character whose actions
form the basis of the plot.
Antagonist: The character who opposes
the protagonist and/or creates obstacles
for him/her. Also can be the forces that
work against protagonist's success (ex.
Protagonist’s own character flaws/traits)
Characterization
Dynamic (or Round) Character: A
character that changes throughout story;
is complex and has many sides.
Static (or flat) Character: A character that
never changes throughout the story; is
one-sided.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere or Mood: The feeling the
created during the story. Is it bright and
cheery, or dark and frightening? This
element can stay throughout the story or
evolve over time and change.
Theme
The
main point or central idea around
which the story is focused.
Can be a statement about life or human
nature that is explicitly conveyed or
implied.
Can be the author’s message or central
insight the he/she is trying to communicate
through the story.
Like a moral to a story.
Examples: love, hate, betrayal, friendship,
etc.
Point of View
Positionor positions from which a literary
work is told to the reader.
First Person Narration: Uses “I”, “me” , “my”,
etc.
Toldfrom the perspective of the narrator
speaking directly about him/herself.
Third Person Narration: Uses “he”, “she”, etc.
Told from the perspective of an outside
narrator who Is not a character within the
story.
Figurative Language & Literary
Devices
FigurativeLanguage: The use of words to
affect a meaning other than the usual or
literal meaning of those words.
Literary Devices: a technique a writer uses
to produce a special effect in their writing.
irony, imagery, metaphor, pun, oxymoron,
hyperbole, analogy, personification, paradox,
simile, cliché, alliteration, onomatopoeia,
allusion, assonance, euphemism, idiom,
consonance, flashback, foreshadowing.
Requirements of Your
Narrative
Plot-one common plot evident.
Setting-place and time well established.
Characterization-includes a protagonist and
antagonist; more points will be given for
dynamic characterization.
Atmosphere/Mood-established early and
continues throughout story.
Theme-reader should easily be able to identify
at least one major theme to the story.
Point of View-FIRST PERSON ONLY!
Requirements of Your
Narrative
Figurative Language & Literary Devices-
Need to have AT LEAST 2 different literary
devices used at least 3 times correctly in your
story.
More devices=more points!!
Narrative may be nonfiction (true story) or fiction
(not true).