Basic Picture and Elements of Narrative
A narrative is a story, a sequence of events told in a particular order to create meaning. Here are the basic picture and elements:
The Big Picture:
* Characters: These are the people (or sometimes animals or objects) in the story. They have motivations, personalities, and make choices that drive the plot.
* Setting: This is the time and place where the story takes place. It can be a real place or a fictional one.
* Plot: This is the sequence of events in the story. It often follows a classic structure like:
* Exposition: The introduction of the story, where characters and setting are introduced, and the initial conflict is set up.
* Rising Action: The part of the story where the conflict builds, leading to the climax.
* Climax: The turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak.
* Falling Action: The events that occur after the climax, leading to the resolution.
* Resolution: The ending of the story, where the conflict is resolved.
* Theme: This is the underlying message or idea of the story. It is what the author is trying to communicate to the reader.
The Elements:
* Conflict: This is the problem or obstacle that the characters must overcome.
* Dialogue: This is the conversation between characters. It helps to reveal character, move the plot forward, and create tension.
* Point of View: This is the perspective from which the story is told. Common points of view include:
* First-person: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" and "me."
* Third-person limited: The narrator tells the story from the perspective of one character.
* Third-person omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all of the characters and events in the story.
* Style: This is the way the story is written. This includes things like:
* Diction: The choice of words.
* Sentence structure: The way sentences are arranged.
* Figurative language: The use of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices.
* Symbolism: This is the use of objects, characters, or events to represent something else.
Bringing it all Together:
These elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging story. The characters drive the plot, which takes place in a specific setting. The conflict creates tension, which is heightened by dialogue and point of view. Style and symbolism add depth and meaning to the narrative.
Examples:
* Character: Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series.
* Setting: The Shire in The Hobbit.
* Plot: The quest for the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings.
* Conflict: The fight against Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.
* Theme: The importance of courage and friendship in the Harry Potter series.
* Dialogue: "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." - Harry Potter
By understanding the basic picture and elements of narrative, you can better understand and appreciate the stories you read and write.