Narrative Elements An Overview

What is a narrative? A narrative is a literary form which describes a sequence of events, which may or may not be true. Novels, short stories, myths, plays and even some forms of poetry are considered to be narratives Though the form of narratives may very, there are certain common elements they share. This PowerPoint is intended to review some of the key aspects of a narrative in preparation for our study of various texts this semester.

Structure

Structure Exposition –the introduction of setting, situation and main characters in a particular narrative. The exposition also contains the Inciting Incident, the event that introduces the story’s primary conflict.

Structure Rising Action – the basic conflict is complicated by the introduction of related secondary conflicts, including various obstacles that frustrate the protagonist's attempt to reach their goal. These secondary conflicts are of lesser importance than the narrative’s primary conflict.

Structure Climax - the point of highest interest in terms of the conflict and the point of the narrative with the most action. The climax usually marks the story’s turning point and indicates a change, for the better or the worse, in the main characters affairs.

Structure Falling Action - shows the effects of the climax and leads to the resolution. Resolution - the point of the narrative when the conflict is resolved.

Let’s look at an example.. Step 1: In your notes, recreate the plot graph you were just shown. Label each part of the graph. Step 2: Together, as a class, we’re going to watch an episode of The Simpsons called “Homer Alone”. Step 3: As we watch the episode, it is your job to try to keep track of the various structural elements of the plot and record them on your chart

Conflict Conflict is essential to plot.  Without conflict there is no plot.  It is the opposition of forces which ties one incident to another and makes the plot move.  In some narratives there may be only one central struggle, while in others there may be one dominant struggle with many minor ones.

There are two types of conflict: 1)  External - A struggle with a force outside one's self. 2)  Internal - A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc.

There are four primary forms of conflict that appear in narratives.

Conflict 1) Person vs. Person (physical) - The leading character struggles with his physical strength against other men, forces of nature, or animals. Person vs. Person is an example of External Conflict. 2) Person vs. Circumstances (classical) - The leading character struggles against fate, or the circumstances of life facing him/her. Person vs. Circumstances is typically an example of External conflict but depending on the circumstance may be considered Internal Conflict.

Conflict 3) Person vs. Society (social) - The leading character struggles against ideas, practices, or customs of other people. Person vs. Society is an example of external conflict. 4) Person vs. Himself/Herself (psychological) - The leading character struggles with himself/herself; with his/her own soul, ideas of right or wrong, physical limitations, choices, etc. Person vs. Self is an example of internal conflict.

Stop and think... Can you identify the various conflicts that appear in “Homer Alone”? Person vs. Person Person vs. Circumstance Person vs. Society Person vs. Self

Character There are several key character types that appear in narratives. The most significant being… PROTAGONIST – character(s) central to the story with all major events being of some importance to them character ANTAGONIST - the opposition of the main character. Character(s) who try to undermine/challenge the protagonist(s)

Protagonist Antagonist

In Your Opinion.. Who might be considered to be protagonists in “Homer Alone”? Who might antagonists?

Theme The theme in a narrative is its controlling idea or its central insight.  It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that they are trying to convey.  The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature. 

Theme Some simple examples of common themes from literature, TV, and film are: - things are not always as they appear to be - Love is blind - Believe in yourself - People are afraid of change - Don't judge a book by its cover

Last question... In your opinion, what are some of the themes that are presented in “Homer Alone”?