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This guide explores the elements of narrative writing, including plot development, characterization, and effective beginnings and endings. Learn how to engage readers, create tension, and bring your stories to life using descriptive language and storytelling techniques.
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Examplesofnarration • Short stories • Novels • Biographies • Fairy-tales • Fantasy • Detectivestories
Purpose: • The purpose of a narrative text is to tell a story. Provide details in the sequencethe events occur. • There has to be a complication to increase the interest of the reader • The story must have a definite ending.
A good narrative: • Involvesreaders in the story • Tells events in sequence • Includesdetailed observations ofpeople, places, and events • Presents importantchanges, contrasts, or conflicts and creates tension • Focuses on connectionbetweenpast events, people, or places and the present
The text of a narrative is organized into: • An orientation(introduction)that tells us about the who?, where? and when? of the story. This is also known as the setting. • A sequence of events (main body) that leads to a complication where some problem confronting the characters arises. • A resolution (conclusion) where the crisis caused by the complication is solved. In short stories this is often at the very end of the story.
TIPS • Alwaysdecide on yourplotbeforeyou start writing! • Sequence of events is very important. Use time words such as: at first, before, until, while, during, then, after, finally, etc. • Use variousadjectives (disgusting, terrified…) and adverbs(desperately, surprisingly, etc) to describe feelings and actions • Use linking words or phrases to join the ideas and make your story flow.
TIPS • Use direct speech. • Variety of verbs will make your story more fascinating to read. • Be careful with the tenses you choose. • Descriptions of people, places, objects or events and descriptive techniques can be used in a narrative when you want to emphasize specific parts of your narration.
TECHNIQUES TO BEGIN A STORY A good beginning is as important as a good ending. A good beginning should make your reader want to go on with your story. A good ending will make your reader feel satisfied. You can start your story by: • Describing weather, surroundings, people, etc. • Using direct speech • Creating mystery.
EXAMPLES ORDINARY BEGINNING MORE INTERESTING BEGINNING I woke up and got out of bed. I had a shower, ate breakfast and left Bright morning sunlight was shining through my bedroom window when I woke. I lay there lazily for a few minutes, then jumped out of bed…
TECHNIQUES TO END A STORY You can end you story by • Referring to your feelings or moods. • Describing people’s reactions to the events developed in the main body. • Creating mystery. • Asking a rhetorical question.
EXAMPLES SIMPLE ENDING MORE INTERESTING ENDING At last I was home again, and soon went to bed. It had been a tiring day. Exhausted and soaked to the skin, I slammed the front door behind me. I threw myself onto my bed, stared into the darkness and thought bitterly, “why me?”
EXPRESSIONS /PHRASES • It was too good to be true • It was a real shock • I couldn’t believe my eyes/luck • It was getting on my nerves • I was in luck / out of luck • It was the best/worst ever • Unluckily / luckily • I was in good/ bad mood • I breathed a sigh of relief • I was left speechless • I was out of relief • All of a sudden / suddenly • My heart was beating furiously • The next thing I knew • It made me jump • To my surprise • I burst out laughing / into tears • Without a doubt / Beyond any doubt
