A Narrative Must Include.

A Clearly Developed Plot

Exposition Provides background information, introduces main characters, conflict is
established
(What you need to know for the rest of the story to make sense.)
Rising Action Conflicts and challenges are faced by the characters and their responses help
the story move forward.
(Includes new events in the story and how the characters deal with them.)
Climax The turning point in the story tension builds until the character has to make a decision
or take action.
(This is the major event.)
Falling Action What happens after the key decision is made or key action is performed.
(This is often the result of the climax.)
Resolution All questions are answered, loose ends are tied up, and we receive a clear ending.
(This is the happily ever after or never heard from again portion of the story.)

Plot Example Cinderella

Exposition Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a very kind girl named Cinderella.
After her father died, she lived with her evil stepmother and stepsisters where she was forced to
be a servant in her own home.
Rising Action Cinderella is mistreated by her stepsisters and stepmother. After they all
receive an invitation to the ball, her evil stepsisters destroy her dress so Cinderella cannot
attend. Her fairy godmother appears and magically provides a dress and coach, so she is able to
attend, dance with the prince and fall in love. At the stroke of 12, she runs away leaving behind
a glass slipper.
Climax After her stepmother locks her in the tower, she escapes just in time for the grand duke
to slide the glass slipper on her foot.
Falling Action Cinderella is taken to the palace where she marries the prince.
Resolution Cinderella and her prince live happily ever after.

Characters and their Interactions

Protagonist the main character (leading character, the hero)
Antagonist the character in opposition to the protagonist (enemy, adversary)
*Other characters may also be present in the story as necessary. All characters will interact
through dialogue.

Dialogue Includes conversation between two or more characters OR the thoughts of one character.
Example of dialogue (from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte):
Now he is here, I exclaimed. For Heavens sake, hurry down! Do be quick; and stay among the trees till he is fairly in.

I must go, Cathy, said Heathcliff, seeking to extricate himself from his companions arms. I wont stray five yards from your window
For one hour, he pleaded earnestly.
Not for one minute, she replied.

Setting
A setting describes the environment, location and atmosphere of a story. It can be an integral
part of establishing a storys tone or mood. When establishing the setting, consider mood words
to help the reader clearly picture the environment and its impact on the characters.
Examples:
"The walls were made of dark stone, dimly lit by torches. Empty benches rose on either side of
him, but ahead, in the highest benches of all, were many shadowy figures. They had been talking
in low voices, but as the heavy door swung closed behind Harry an ominous silence fell." from
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by: J.K. Rowling
"During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds
hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a
singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew
on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher." from The Fall of the House of Usher by:
Edgar Allan Poe

Point of View
The point of view describes who is narrating or telling the story. Keep in mind that perspective
influences which details the reader will receive.
Common Types of Point of View:
First Person narrator is a character and participates in the action (Pronouns - I, me, we)
Ex. I gazedand gazedbut little thought/ What wealth the show to me had brought.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by: William Wordsworth

Third Person Objective narrator is unidentified, detached observer (reports details no

conclusions)
Ex. As he entered the aisle between the rigid lines of soldiers he seemed slightly embarrassed,
and grinned and nodded to a compadre here and there in the ranks. The Rise of Pancho Villa from
Insurgent Mexico by: John Reed

Third Person Omniscient narrator is all knowing and provides insight to all characters
thoughts and feelings (Pronouns he, she, they)
Ex. Hansel walked ahead of Gretel; after all, he knew he belonged in the front because Gretel
was just a girl. Gretel dropped breadcrumbs behind her as she went, knowing that her bumbling
brother couldnt be counted on to find his way home from the outhouse, let alone from the
middle of the woods. Hansel and Gretel
Third Person Limited Omniscient narrator knows the thoughts, feelings and experiences of
a single character some details are still unknown (Pronouns he, she, they)
Ex. Elizabeth allowed that he had given a very rational account of it, and they continued talking

together, with mutual satisfaction till supper put an end to cards, and gave the rest of the ladies
their share of Mr. Wickham's attentions. There could be no conversation in the noise of Mrs.
Phillips's supper party, but his manners recommended him to everybody. Whatever he said, was
said well; and whatever he did, done gracefully. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Conflict
A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces. In literature, characters face external conflicts
(conflict between a character and an outside element) and internal conflicts (conflict a character
experiences within himself).
Common conflicts include:
Character VS Character: A character is in conflict with another character in the story.
Ex: In Edgar Allan Poes The Cask of Amontillado, Montressor vows revenge upon Fortunado and
ultimately causes his death.
Character VS Nature: A character faces a conflict with an element of nature (an animal, the
weather, etc)
Ex: In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus faces a series of challenges on his voyage across the sea
including a massive storm, a whirlpool, and wind that blows him off course.
Character VS Society: A character faces a conflict with a group from the community or a
strongly held belief in the community.
Ex. In The Giver by Lois Lowry, Jonas is given the memories of his society and then realizes
exactly what is going on in his society. He is then forced with a decision to continue or leave.
Character VS Self: A character struggles internally with a decision, fear, stress, guilt or any
other emotion.
Ex. In Shakespeares Hamlet, Hamlet struggles throughout he play with making decisions. He
wants to avenge his fathers death, but he cannot decide the right path to follow.

Theme
A theme is a universal idea or concept being communicated in the work as a whole. It can be
considered the life lesson a reader should gain as a result of reading the work.
Common themes in literature include:
Love conquers all
True beauty lies within
Friendship is important
Nature provides comfort
Good triumphs over evil
Cooperation is the key to success