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a2505
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narrative-texts
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Narrative texts are stories.

A narrative text can be:

  • fiction: created from imagination

  • nonfiction: based on facts

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Narrative Text Structure
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narrative-text-structure
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A narrative text tells a story in 3 parts:

  1. Beginning

  2. Middle

  3. End

Each part has different features and purposes.

Most narrative texts follow this form, but some break the mold.
Using a plot diagram can help figure out how story elements are organized and connected together.

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1. The Beginning: Introduction
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1-the-beginning-introduction
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The beginning of a narrative text is usually referred to as the introduction. It introduces story elements so the reader can understand who and what the story is about.

The introduction generally includes:

Features

Tells the reader

Examples

Character introduction

Who is involved in the story.

Physical description

Personality

Skills and aptitudes

Setting

Where the story takes place.

A city, a country, a building, another world …

When the story takes place.

In the past, in the future, at this moment …

What the context is.

Realistic, fantastic, futuristic, historical …

Initial situation

The main character’s starting point.

Relationships: family, friends, lovers, coworkers …

Occupations: work, hobbies, passions, projects …

Emotional state: happy, sad, frustrated, hopeful …

Inciting incident/Conflict

A situation forcing the main character to act.

Meeting someone

Finding an object

Learning new information

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2. The Middle: Body
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2-the-middle-body
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The middle of a narrative text is the body of a story.

The body generally includes:

Features

Tells the reader about:

Examples:

Plot points

Major story events

Events affecting the main character and his/her surroundings

Situations challenging the main character

Situations involving the villain(s)

Events moving the story along to its climax

Character development

Character advancement

Learning new abilities or information, gaining knowledge and wisdom …

Character goals and motivations

Finding out the reasons behind the actions taken, the decisions made, the words spoken …

Character growth and change

Overcoming weaknesses, facing challenges, learning from mistakes, making better decisions …

The climax

The turning point

Final villain confrontation

Solving the conflict or inciting incident that started the story

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3. The End: Conclusion
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3-the-end-conclusion
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The end of a narrative text is usually referred to as the conclusion.

The conclusion generally includes:

Features

Tells the reader:

Examples:

The aftermath

The consequences of the climax

What was lost or gained in the climax

How it affected the main character.

Physical injuries, mental trauma, new perspective on life …

The resolution

The direction the main character’s life is now taking.

New goals, new possibilities, new relationships …

The new normal

Differences between the initial situation and now.

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Narrative Text Features
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narrative-text-features
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Characters
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Characters are the people represented when telling stories.

Examples of characters in storytelling:

  • Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis, 1865)

  • Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings series (Tolkien, 1954-1955)

To learn more on characters, visit Narrative Texts—Characters

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Forms of Narrative Texts
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Stories can be told in different formats.

Example of narrative forms in storytelling:

  • novels

  • comic books

  • poems

To learn more on narrative forms, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices

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Genres of Narrative Texts
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Genres are categories of storytelling with their own characteristics and features.

Examples of narrative genres:

  • fantasy

  • horror

  • science fiction

To learn more on narrative genres, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices

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Literary Devices
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Literary devices are techniques authors use to improve storytelling. 

Examples of literary devices in storytelling:

  • theme

  • plot twist

  • foreshadowing

To learn more on literary devices, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices

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Common Narrative Text Expressions
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common-narrative-text-expressions
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Here are some common expressions when referring to narrative texts:

plot/storyline

A series of events put together to form a story.

plot point

A story element that has a significant impact on the story told.

setting

The place, the time, the context and the mood used to tell a story.

pacing

The speed at which a story is told.

main idea

The message the author is trying to communicate.

conflict/inciting incident

The event that sets the story in motion.

climax/turning point

The highest point of tension in a story.

plot diagram

A visual organizer for story elements.

denouement

The point when the story conflict is resolved.

dialogue

A conversation between characters.

monologue

A speech given by a character.

epilogue

Events taking place after a story’s conclusion.

prologue

Events taking place before the introduction of a story.

sequel

A follow up to an existing story.

prequel

A story taking place before an existing story.

synopsis

A brief summary of a story’s plot.

blurb

A short description of a story plot, written to appeal to readers. Usually found on a book’s back cover.

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See Also
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see-also
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