The notes….

 Narratives are stories that are either told orally or they are written down.  They can be fiction or non-fiction.  They take many forms. (see GENRE)  They have several elements, or important parts.

the ‘type of’ or ‘certain kind of’ something  In this class it would be the type of literature we might be reading at the moment. Fiction: Novels Fantasy Fairy tales Mystery Poetry Short stories Non-Fiction Biography Autobiography Newspaper Speeches Magazine articles

 The plot is the action of the narrative. Narratives are organized in this way: 1. Exposition: start of the story 2. Rising action: problem is stated or revealed in this part of the story 3. Climax: high point of the story  tension is greatest here,  the problem is at its worst and may start to be solved) 4. Falling action: the tension lessens, and the problem may be solved at this point 5. Resolution: the reader learns the outcome of the story, or the end of the story

 the main character in the story, or the one most important to the action of a story  is also sometimes referred to as the ‘hero’ in a story  Red Riding Hood  Three Little Pigs  Cat in the Hat  Harry Potter

 The force working against the main character in the story  Note: The antagonist does not have to be a person (human)  The Big Bad Wolf  Thing One, Thing Two  Some uncontrollable force or event in life

1st person:  the story is told by someone in (who is part of) the story.  In 1 st person, the writer or speaker will use these types of pronouns: me, we, us, etc. 3rd person:  The story is told by someone who is outside (who is not a part) of the story.  In 3 rd person, the writer or speaker will use these types of pronouns:  he, she, they, etc.

 the author’s specific reason for writing:  When asked about “author’s purpose”, or the author’s reason for writing, limit your answer to these responses:  To inform or explain  To entertain  To persuade  To enlighten (teach an important truth or a lesson)

 The problem or situation around which the plot of a fiction narrative revolves.  There are 5 main types of conflict:

 The man character has a problem with another character  Note: Don’t take that literally. The other character does not necessarily have to be human.

 The main character has problem deciding what to do or what to think

 The main character has a problem with the beliefs, laws, or ways of a group

 The main character has a problem with a force of nature  Examples:  a blizzard  a tornado  on a small boat in rough waters  lost in a desert

 The main character has a problem over which he or she doesn’t seem to have any control  Examples:  A serious injury  An illness  A mental or physical handicap

WHERE and WHEN a story takes place  Has to do with locations, time periods, seasons of the year, etc.

 An object or event in a story that stands for some idea or emotion.

The particular way that an author writes or expresses thoughts.  Shakespeare : very formal, use of olde English  Dr. Suess : simple words, rhyming, certain colors for illustrations Some style questions:  Does the piece sound conversational?  Or is it more businesslike and formal?  Is the language difficult or easy? Does the writer use slang?  Are the chapters long or short?  In what genre does this author usually write?  Does the way in which this writer puts words and details together to make a story appeal to you?

Dialogue: What the characters say. When the characters speak, the words they say will be found inside quotation marks. “Stop it!” Terry threw up his hands in a show of anger. “I have had enough of you.” Dialect: How the characters sound when they speak.  Southern drawl  Northern sound  New York accent  Use of slang  Use of certain terms “What up?” “Wazzup?” “Good ‘ay.” “Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!” “Hey, ya’ll!” “How ya doin’? “”How are you doing?”

-the feelings or emotions in the reader caused by the story. Usually details in the setting will help establish the mood of a story.

- the underlying message that the author wants the reader to understand It is what that the writer wants the reader to understand most about the story. Possible themes for “The Three Little Pigs” Whatever you do, do it well Always be prepared - Points to remember about theme: - It will not be directly stated in the story. - You usually won’t know the theme until After Reading, when you’re in the Pause and Reflect stage of the Reading Process.