The Narrative MN State Standard, American Literature, Tenth grade 9.7.3.3 Engage and orient reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events Use literary narrative techniques and multiple plot lines to develop experiences, events, and/or characters Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so they build on one another to create a coherent whole Use precise words and phrases, telling details, figurative and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters Provide a conclusion (when appropriate) that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative or creative text

Elements of a Narrative Narration Narrative techniques Organization Figurative language and detail Conclusion/reflection

Narration Set out a problem, situation, or observation Establish one or multiple points of view Introduce narrator and/or characters Create a smooth progression

Narration – Problem, Situation, Observation The point of the narrative

Narration – Point of View Narrator is the one who tells the story – determines point of view 1st Person (inside the story) Narrator participates in the action Can be protagonist or supporting character Pros: immediate information/more lively Cons: limited to only this view 3rd Person (outside the story) Nameless (omniscient) Godlike, can enter many character’s perspectives Pros: natural b/c author is omniscient Unlifelike (really a convention of literature) Other character Limited to one view (he/she) Objective Combination throughout narrative is possible Present can be more dramatic than past Epistolary novel - more than one narrator (Wuthering Heights, The Help, Jodi Picoult novels)

Narration – Characterization Physical descriptions – most common Name analysis – meaning behind names (if there is one) Authors usually carefully select their character’s names (Hunger Games) Attitude/Appearance – how the character feels about what is happening to him/her in the story Dialogue – the way the character talks (word choice, syntax) and their tone (sarcastic, serious, obnoxious, joyful) Thoughts – can only include an analysis of a character’s thoughts if the author tells the reader what the character is thinking. (Where is the evidence in the text) Reactions of others – how other characters treat/react to the character you are analyzing (are they liked? Feared?) Action/Incident – how it affected them or how they reacted. Is there an incident in the past that shaped them or how they look at life? Physical/Emotional setting – can effect the way the character develops. Emotionally deals with a series of emotional events the character deals with throughout.

Narration – Smooth Progression of Events See Organization/Sequencing

Narrative Techniques Literary Techniques to develop experiences, events, and/or characters Dialogue Pacing Rhythm Repetition Rhyme Description Reflection Multiple plot lines

Narrative Techniques – Dialogue Should contribute to plot in some way Take out the nonessentials Break up dialogue with action/description Limit “he said/she said” type tags and all their synonyms Avoid clichés, stereotypes, profanity, slang Punctuate correctly

Narrative Techniques – Pacing Timing When is the story being told Vs. when the actually story took place Time spanned (a lifetime, a summer) Strategies Foreshadow, flashback, dialogue Length (more intense the shorter the sentences/scenes/everything) Create breaks Extended moments Show Vs. tell (show =slower, tell=faster)

Narrative Techniques – other Rhythm Punctuation, justified tone changes, alliteration Repetition Purposeful, significant point trying to make Rhyme Use sparingly only for effect Description See pacing/characterization Reflection Multiple plot lines Reserved for longer works (short stories focus on one plot line)

Organization Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so they build on one another to create a coherent whole

Organization – Ways to Sequence Chronological 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 5, 1, 2, 3, 4 4, 1, 2, 3, 5 Flashback Think of story chronologically. Bullet main components and then rearrange order to determine possible effects

Figurative Language & Detail Tools used to convey a vivid picture of experiences, events, setting, and/or characters Precise words and phrases Telling details Figurative language Simile Metaphor Hyperbole Sensory language (consider all senses)

Figurative Language & Detail – precise words and phrases Avoid “very” “really” “so” “I was fuming/irate” instead of “I was very/really/so angry” Every adjective/adverb should relate to point being made. If action is intense – “He bolted to his car” is better than “He went to his car” Don’t use big words just to use big words; choose the best word for your purpose.

Figurative Language & Detail – Sensory Detail When thinking of a person/place/event go through each sense. The park Looks like…open area, bright equipment, swings Sounds like…laughter, giggles, children playing Smells like…fresh breeze, clean air, grass Feels like…childhood, freedom, joy Tastes like…(not applicable here) Select the senses that best support the scene you are trying to create/are important. Turning the corner to the park she is instantly enveloped in laughter and joy; she slowly inhales the memories of her childhood, the grass tickling her toes as she skips to the swings, her body leaning back to see the enormous sky, her legs pumping, higher and higher while the breeze plays with her hair. For a moment she escapes to the freedoms of youth; for a moment she is at peace. For a moment.

Conclusion Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative Not always appropriate to conclude Create closure that “makes sense” to story