Literacy narrativeStrategies for writing a story

Elements of a narrativeTension

PlotCharacter

SettingTheme

Resolution

TensionThe Central Problem that drives the action of the story•conflict in the character’s mind•conflict between characters

TensionWhat is the primary cause and motivation? Is the conflict internal (self conflict) or external (between two or more people, between an individual or group? In what ways does the external conflict mask or replicate the internal conflict of the main character?How does the main character deal with the conflict? Do they escape it, deny it, or cover it up? How does the main character resolve the core conflict?

Plot

What are the most important events that inform, alter, and intensify the conflict?What is the most intense event- climax or turning point?What are the less intense events that lead towards resolutionWhat is the stable situation at the end of the story?

Characters

What do we learn about the character? From their inner thoughts? From what they say? From what they do?Is the character fleshed out, alive, and complex?

settingHow does the time period in which the story takes place affect the character’s psyche and structure their conflict? What about the place? Or the social environment or the culture?What is the atmosphere of the story?How does the mood affect the readers emotional response to the characters struggles?