NARRATIVE COMPOSITION

WHAT IS A NARRATIVE? Narrative writing tells a story. The main purpose of a narrative is to entertain a reader; but stories can also contain a universal theme or moral or teach the reader a lesson. The stories can either be imaginative or realistic.

STRUCTURE OF A NARRATIVE A narrative is made up of four main sections: orientation, complication sequence of events and resolution

The orientation sets the scene, mood and introduces the characters. Try to include ‘When’, ‘Where’, ‘Who’ and ‘What’ in this section to explain to the reader what the story is going to be about.

Complication is when a problem or a dilemma disrupts the normal life or comfort of the characters and sets off a sequence of interesting events.

Free powerpoint template: 6 The complication is often in the form of an obstacle (physical or emotional) that needs to be overcome. It creates tension or excitement for the reader of the story and usually needs a response from the main character.

Free powerpoint template: 7 This leads to the resolution, where the problem is resolved. This section will include a description of the final outcome or ending.

Free powerpoint template: 8 Some writers like to include what is called a coda to the end of their narratives. A coda underlines how the character has changed and what they learnt as a result of the experience they went through. A coda is purely optional.

Free powerpoint template: 9 PAY ATTENTION TO THESE DETAILS

Personal narrative is a short story about something that happened to you. (1)The main character is the writer….you Write in first person. Use words like...I, me, my, we Include personal reaction, comments, observations

(2) Recreate an incident for readers rather than tell about it.

(3) Re-create an event by setting it in a specific time and space.

(4) Recall sights, sounds, smells, tactile feelings, and tastes. Use actual or re-created dialogue Give names of people and places. Use specific visuals, imagery, strong action words Avoid slang, unless it is necessary

Use specific visuals. e.g.: Instead of ‘mountain’ use snow-capped jagged peaks ‘Mom filled the tub and we filed in like animals on Noah’s Ark, two at a time, so she could scrub us clean.’ ‘It was a real bow with heavy string and pointed arrows that could pierce the bark of a tree.’

‘It was an old rusty Campbell’s Tomato Soup can. Half the label had faded off due to age. You could tell someone had stomped on it because it was crinkled in the middle.’

(5) Make a point Expressed from a point of view – usually the writer's point of view

Free powerpoint template: 17 (6) Communicate a main idea e.g.: That’s how the fight started. I was caught up in all this mess.