Narrative structure

Narrative structure

With content adapted from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-master-the-art-of-plot-development#what-are-the-elements-of-a-good-plot

In class we have started to explore narrative structure.

​Let's test your knowledge of what we have discussed so far and what you have learnt in previous years.

Multiple Choice

The term 'plot' refers to...

• a series of events in a narrative that, when connected, comprise the totality of what happens in the story

• the opening section of a story (in which the writer establishes both character and setting)

• the point of the story in which the tension reaches its peak

• the main character in the story who the reader follows for the entire story

Multiple Choice

In the orientation you should establish...

• Setting (time and place)

• Character/s

• Both setting and characters

• Both ...plus you could establish the mood, a theme and even something extra like the first reference to a key symbol

The orientation

This sounds like a lot to establish in the orientation, especially considering that you will need to keep it short! Remember you should priortise character and setting, and you should practise establishing character and setting very quickly. You can even begin in medias res. What does in medias res mean?​

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Tip: Establishing the mood, a theme and/or a symbol are all optional extension ideas. ​Keep these ideas in mind but know that they are not necessary.

Multiple Choice

The majority of your word count will be dedicated to the...

• Orientation

• Rising Action

• Climax

• Dialogue

The rising action

​The rising action includes the series of events (usually the conflicts or struggles of the protagonist) that increase tension, propel the plot forward, and lead to the climax of the story.

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The rising action should be the lengthiest part of your story. This is why your orientation should be kept relatively brief!

The rising action

The foundations of your main conflict or theme often form a short story’s rising action. To create tension and movement, you must know exactly what your character wants and what would prevent them from getting it. Remember that conflicts can be internal or external.

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What are some examples of internal and external conflict?​

Multiple Choice

The rising action should include plot points. A plot point is...

• the writer's key message/what the writer wants you to think or feel after reading the story

• the point where the tension reaches its peak

• a singular key event in a story

• a part of the story that is not connected to the main plot

Plot points

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​You can write in a linear fashion or embrace nonlinear narrative. We are going to focus on linear narrative structure before looking at other options.​

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​Plotting a short story doesn’t have to involve an exhaustive list of plot points. It can be as simple as knowing a few key moments you want to work your way toward. The most effective plot points are motivated by your character’s wants and desires.

​​Plot points specifically refer to singular key events in an overall story.

Plot points

​​Plot points specifically refer to singular key events in an overall story.

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The 'hook' or 'inciting incident' is the moment in the story that disrupts your protagonist's status quo. When you are writing a short story, this incident needs to take place quite early. If you begin in medias res this incident could even happen in the very first line (and you can establish the setting and character/s at the same time).​

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Plot points

​​Plot points specifically refer to singular key events in an overall story.

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You would then follow with a plot point that propels the protagonist into the central conflict of the story as they break from the status quo. This plot point is also known as the point of no return. The choices that your protagonist makes in this moment have great impact. Having a plot point that functions as a point of no return ensures narrative momentum by forcing the protagonist into a new or unforeseen direction.

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Plot points

​​Plot points specifically refer to singular key events in an overall story.

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The plot point/s from here often involve the protagonist facing intense pressure as a result of their choices. The following plot point/s should force the character into decisions and should always relate to the main conflict. They could include a battle with an antagonist or be simply a continuation of the events in the opening of the story. They could include in the formation of a new plan that propels the character towards the climactic moments. ​It is important to remember that you are writing a short story, so you cannot include too many plot points. It would be better to focus on a few really impactful moments. ​

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Multiple Choice

The 'hook' or 'inciting incident' is...

• the formation of a new plan that propels the character towards the climactic moments of the story

• the moment in the story that disrupts your protagonist's status quo

• the main character of the story (the character that the events all revolve around)

• the point in the story where the tension reaches its peak

Multiple Choice

One of your early plot points should involve your protagonist making a decision that impacts the remaining events of the story. This decision can be a catalyst for events. This is often known as...

• the hook

• the inciting incident

• the point of no return

• the antagonist

Multiple Choice

The plot points in the story should...

• Propel the protagonist towards the climactic moments

• Force the protagonist to make crucial decisions

• All relate to the main events of the short story in some way

• All of the above!

Multiple Choice

The most effective plot points are motivated by...

• your character's wants and desires

• the antagonist

• the themes of the story

• the hook or inciting incident

The climax

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When the tension has reached its peak, it’s time for the climax to resolve the conflict. If you have great orientation and dramatic rising action, then this final face-off between the protagonist and antagonist should be a big payoff. Aim to write an ending that ties up loose ends and closes out the character arc/s. Readers will be glad they followed the story through to this satisfying resolution.

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How could the protagonist and antagonist relate to one another in your story? We will focus on motivations, wants and desires more in the coming lessons. ​

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The falling action and resolution

Falling action: After the dramatic confrontation of the climax, the falling action deflates the plot’s tension. Any remaining mysteries are revealed at this point.​

​Resolution: The resolution is the end of the story that ties up loose ends. The consequences of the rising action are made clear. The resolution shows the main character in their new normal, changed by the events of the story.

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That said, stories can finish at the climax. You have a very limited word count, so I urge you to finish at your climax or include only a very short resolution.

Planning is essential

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Even the best writers need to map or plot their story beforehand. This process helps you to think carefully about how you can establish important information in the orientation, include pivotal plot points in the rising action and then tie it all together with a satisfying climax. ​

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