1. Narrative (Story) Essay

2. What is a Narrative ?
Something that tells a story. It can be a short story, a novel, a drama, or a narrative poem.
The author may write about
an experience or event from his past
something that happened to another person
a recent or an ongoing experience or event
a fiction, a made-up story

3. What is a plot
Plot is what happens in a story. Plot consists of a series of related episodes, one growing out of another. The parts of the plot act like the building blocks in a story.

4. What are the parts of the plot?
Basic situation (characters, setting)
Conflict (problem)
Series of events or Rising action
Climax
Resolution (Conclusion)

5. Basic situation
The basic situation introduces the characters and what they want. This is where the reader usually finds out about the conflict or a problem in the story.
The major character must face obstacles to solving his or her problem.

6. Basic situation

7. Conflict (problem) Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces
Every plot must contain some kind of conflict
Stories can have more than one conflict
Conflicts can be external or internal
External conflict- outside force may be person, group, animal, nature, or a nonhuman obstacle
Internal conflict- takes place in a character’s mind

8. Conflict

9. Series of events or Rising action
A series of events takes place that makes it very hard for the character to get what he or she wants.
Conflict builds as the major character faces obstacles to solving his or her problem.
Each new obstacle complicates the conflict and helps build to the story’s climax.

10. Series of events or Rising action

11. Climax The climax is the story’s most emotional or suspenseful moment.
This is the point at which the conflict is decided one way or another.
Reader’s curiosity is at it’s highest at the story’s climax. Make your reader wonder, “How is this going to turn out?”

12. Climax

13. Resolution (Conclusion)
The resolution is the last part of the story.
This is where the loose ends of the plot are tied up and the story is closed.

14. Resolution (Conclusion)

15. Diagram of a plot Climax Series of events/ Rising Action
Resolution/ Denouement
Basic situation

16. It’s time to get started……..
Remember that your plot needs to have a:
beginning (characters)
conflict
rising action
a climax
conclusion

17. It’s time to get started……
To grab the reader’s attention and quickly introduce your story’s character’s, setting, point of view and conflict, try one of these opener suggestions.
Start with dialogue (quotes), letting a character speak to set the scene.
Start with action, jumping right into the conflict and describing the setting and the characters as part of the action.

18. The view
A story’s point of view depends upon who is narrating, or telling the story.
First person uses the word “I” - limited
Third person uses the words “he” or “she” - unlimited

19. Developing a character
Step1: Ask yourself, “What sets this character apart from others?” List details that relate this character to other characters.
Step2: Ask yourself:”What does the reader need to know about this character?”List important facts such as the character’s age, place of residence, and family background.

20. Developing a character
Step3: Ask yourself, “What is this character’s personality like?” Is the character quiet? Sociable? A bully? A good student?What does the character like to do?
Choose only the traits that are important to the story.

21. Conclusion
It should not be too long. The main action has already happened.