Narrative Writing and Story Structure

Narrative Writing

Students will be able to identify the characteristics of and write different types of narratives.

Narratives

Tell the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and HOW of the event.

There are three parts to a narrative piece.

1. Introduction to the Event

• How can you hook your reader?

• How can you get their attention while introducing your story?

• Introduce your characters.

• Introduce your setting.

• Narratives generally have more than one character.

• These characters are usually vastly different.

• These differences can serve as a source for conflict.

• Over the course of a narrative, one or more character(s) may change in attitude or other characteristics.

Characters

Poll

Would you want to read a story where all the characters were exactly the same.

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

​Setting

• Your setting shows where your story is happening.

• The setting must fit the story.

• Characters and events can be affected by the setting.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Setting affects Characters and other events within the story.

• True

• False

2. Body - Sequenced Events + Details

• What events happen first, next, then, and last?

• Did you include who, what, where, when, why, and how things happened?

• Did you include actions and feelings?

• Did you include dialogue?

What is Dialogue?

​Dialogue=Speech or Conversations

When a character is talking to anyone (even themselves) dialogue is occurring
example:

• They hung their head and mumbled, “It's fine if you don't want me to come."

Note: Dialogue can be affected by the setting or characters.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of Dialogue?

• The wind picked up and was soon followed by a torrential rain.

• Enter Juliet stage left.

• • He drew in a long breath and spoke, “I'm just not sure what to do anymore.”

• John rubbed his hands together and quickly picked up the coin off the sidewalk.

3. Conclusion

• How can you wrap up your piece or resolve the events?

• Is there a final resolution?

• Did you share a final thought?

Personal Narrative

• author writes about a sequenced event or experience in his or her life

Realistic Narrative

• author writes about a sequenced event in the form of a story

Fantasy Narrative

• Author tells a story that are set against the backdrop of fantastic worlds where high-fantasy races, such as elves and hobbits, exist

Historical Narrative

• Author writes through the eyes of a fictional character or even as the story of a real person from history who experienced the event. 

Sample paragraph structure

• Paragraph 1 -LEAD Introduction to the Characters and Big Event

• Paragraph 2 -BEGINNING of Event -supporting details

• Paragraph 3 -MIDDLE of Event - supporting details

• Paragraph 4 -END of Event - supporting details

• Paragraph 5 -CONCLUSION

Multiple Choice

a story about three kind aliens landing on Earth and helping kids learn about space

• personal

• fantasy

• realistic fiction

• historical fiction

Multiple Choice

a story about the first time you ever broke a bone

• personal

• fantasy

• realistic fiction

• historical fiction

Multiple Choice

a first person narrative of someone on the Lewis and Clark expedition

• personal

• fantasy

• realistic fiction

• historical fiction

Multiple Choice

a story about the time where you went cave diving with sharks

• personal

• fantasy

• realistic fiction

• historical fiction