Narrative Writing

To identify the features of narrative writingTo generate original and imaginative ideas:

character and plot

Narrative Writing

Features• Plot • Characters• Setting• Sequence, pace and detail• Narrative structure:

– Introduction– Problem– Conflict– Crisis– Resolution

Writing Skills/Techniques• Variety of sentences• Ambitious, well-chosen

vocabulary• Descriptive techniques• Spelling accuracy• Engaging style• Imagination and originality

Ideas for narratives

The New Arrival

Task: Can you come up with ideas that would link to this title?

A New Arrival can mean loads of different things. Be imaginative and come up with something that nobody else has thought of.

Absent father returns trying to spend time with his children. How do they react to seeing him after so long?

http://englishtutorhome2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/25-awesome-ideas-for-creative-writing.html

Character and plot

Learning ObjectivesTo create a convincing character

To sustain a convincing character and plot throughout the story

How does the poet create the voice of a young boy for this poem?How important is Point of View in a story?

Convincing Characters

• How is the story by Elizabeth Baines a good example of creating a convincing point of view or voice for the main character?

• What other things make this short story so successful?

Your main character needs to be introduced quickly in a short story

• Think Appearance and Personality Traits• Background – what happened to your character in

the past? Family? Important events in their childhood or adult life?

• Describe them in a setting that would reflect their personality.

• Like Crooks in Of Mice and Men focus on their Possessions, Environment, What people say about them and how they interact with other people.

My character• Enid Blythe, 83• Born in 1923 in Monmouth.• Worked as a florist in Monmouth until

she got married in 1939 but her husband was killed in the war when his plane was shot down over Dresden.

• No children • Lives in a village in a beautiful Welsh

valley. • Her niece runs the florist shop now –

she gave it to her.• She loves her garden• She is a thin woman, with an outdoor

complexion – weathered by the wind and rain.

Plot

The plot or storyline follows a narrative that is interesting because it has five key stages:1. Introduction2. Complication3. Conflict4. Crisis5. ResolutionIn a short story, because time is limited writers often play around with these conventions for effect.