Narrative Writing

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Believe it or not anyone can write a narrative or a short story. A narrative is telling (narrating) a story - a sequence of events.

  • A short story is just one sort of narrative.
  • Remember that a story should be entertaining.
  • A good story should also be meaningful.
  • It should arouse the emotions of the reader.

There is a structure to narrative writing.

Introduction or Orientation

  • Ask yourself who, when, where and why of the story.
  • Introduce your main character.
  • Set the scene - time and place.
  • Create the world of your particular story.
  • Present a dramatic incident.

Body of the story

  • The problem or complication
  • Outline the events that led to the problem or complication.
  • Develop the conflict.
  • Develop the tension.
  • Best to do this in chronological order.

Climax

  • The height of the tension.
  • An exciting development that gets the reader stirred up.

Resolution/Conclusion

  • Provide a solution or a outcome to the problem.
  • Bring a satisfactory ending to the story.

Resources