Writing a Narrative
What is a narrative?
A narrative is an imaginative story but may be based on fact. Its purpose is to narrate events, entertain and engage the reader in an imaginative experience. Narratives can also be used to teach, persuade or inform the reader. They are different from recounts, as they include one or more problems that must eventually be resolved. Ideas can be presented in a narrative using words, images and/or sounds.
Types of narratives
Folktales, traditional tales, crime fiction, thrillers, fantasy, romance, horror, science fiction, adventure, myths and legends, ballads and picture book stories are all narrative texts.
Structure of a narrative
A narrative:
A narrative is an imaginative story but may be based on fact. Its purpose is to narrate events, entertain and engage the reader in an imaginative experience. Narratives can also be used to teach, persuade or inform the reader. They are different from recounts, as they include one or more problems that must eventually be resolved. Ideas can be presented in a narrative using words, images and/or sounds.
Types of narratives
Folktales, traditional tales, crime fiction, thrillers, fantasy, romance, horror, science fiction, adventure, myths and legends, ballads and picture book stories are all narrative texts.
Structure of a narrative
A narrative:
- Has a title
- Consists of three basic parts, the:
- – introduction (orientation), in which the main character(s), setting and time of the story are established (e.g. morning, night, in the olden days or present time); this part usually details who, what, where, when and why
- – problem, which involves the main character and may occur after an event or series of events
- – solution, whereby the problem is satisfactorily solved
- – introduction (orientation), in which the main character(s), setting and time of the story are established (e.g. morning, night, in the olden days or present time); this part usually details who, what, where, when and why
- May include a conclusion (concluding comment or statement), in order to add humour to the ending or sum up the author’s message.
Language features
A narrative:
- focuses on specific participants rather than representing a general group e.g. John Briggs and his experiences rather than his entire family
- includes participants who are human, or animals with human-like characteristics
- uses adverbs and phrases to tell how, when, where and why (circumstances)
- uses dialogue to develop characters and relationships
- uses action verbs and verb groups (verbs with adverbs to add detail) and may also refer to what the characters say and feel
- uses text connectives
e.g. then, so, furthermore, at least, meanwhile
- usually uses past tense, but the tense may change to the present or the future when dialogue is used
- makes use of first person personal pronouns (e.g. I, we), but can be written in the third person (e.g. he, she, they)
- uses descriptive language, including adjectives and adverbs, to enhance and develop the story and help readers construct images and connect with the story.