Characteristics of Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative Nonfiction in Exploring the Titanic

What is narrative nonfiction?

Narrative nonfiction uses literary elements such as plot, setting and conflict to tell a story. However, unlike fiction, narrative nonfiction is true. It is also in Mrs. Tenace's TOP 3 favorite genres!

Elements of Narrative Nonfiction

• Quotations from real people, also called primary sources

• Facts from reliable sources

• Photographs, possibly with captions

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT an element of narrative nonfiction?

• Plot, setting and conflict

• Foreshadowing and suspense

• Facts from reliable sources

• All can be elements of narrative nonfiction

How does these elements work together?

"Twelve-year-old Ruth said.. 'everything was new! Our cabin was just like a hotel room, it was so big. The dining room was beautiful- the linens, all the bright, polished silver you can imagine."

Open Ended

What does this primary source, Ruth's quotation, tell us about the setting in the story?

"(Almost hitting the New York) was not a good sign. Did it mean the Titanic was too big to handle safely? Those who knew about the sea thought that such a close call at the beginning of a maiden voyage was a very bad omen."

Multiple Choice

In the previous passage, what literary technique did Ballard use to create suspense?

• Foreshadowing

• Conflict

• Setting

Open Ended

Consider this: Ballard could have written this as an informational text. Why did he choose to write it as narrative nonfiction instead? Was it effective?