1. Elements of Narrative
Kroesch

2. Narrative 101
Narrative Writing tells a story about a character or characters in a setting that overcome a series of problems to a conclusion
Good narratives have several problems that escalate to a logical conclusion

3. Characters Characters are the actors in your story
They have several kinds of traits that can change over the story
Physical Traits: Parts of their bodies
Mental Traits: Parts of their personalities
Other Traits: Details about them aren’t physical or mental
Many characters change their traits over the course of a story

4. 2D vs. 3D. Characters
A 2D character is one that exists only to show a small collection of traits
Think of this like a cardboard standup person
A 3D character has traits that are both obvious and subtle
They don’t show all of their traits at once

5. Setting Setting is the locations that your story takes place in
Time of day (Lighting, Meals, Activities)
Weather
Settings have traits too, similar to characters
Dirty, clean, bright, dark, eerie, safe
Use “Sensory” words to show your setting’s traits
smells, sights, textures, tastes, sounds

6. Settings Continued
Your goal with your setting is to create enough detail that readers can “see” your scene
Too much detail will bog down your writing and distract readers from the scene you’re trying to create

7. Plot Plot is the action of your story
Creates conflict that makes your story interesting and gives your characters goals
See next notes!

8. Point of View First Person Second Person Third Person
You are in the character’s head
Full access to their thoughts and view
Second Person
The action is described as “You” doing it
Choose your own adventure format
Third Person
Most common perspective
Comes in Limited and Omniscient forms
Limited gives you one character’s thoughts
Omniscient gives ALL characters thoughts

9. Theme Theme is the “why” of the story
What thoughts or ideas are to trying to convey to your audience?
What do you want them to think about when they finish reading?
Theme is shown through things like symbolism, metaphors, or plot