Narrative techniques

1. Elena palmer libis Universidad isabel i de castilla Narrative techniques in writing

2. Definition A narrative is a sequence of related events normally arranged in a chronological order. A synonym to describe a “narrative” is a “story”. Other types that are considered narratives are: Novels Dramas Fables Folk tales Short stories Films Poetry In this presentation we will concentrate in the written techniques.

3. Narrative T echniques The presentation will be devided in two different blocks:

4. NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES

5. 1.- Plot Structure The plot of a narrative is the gist of the story. It is a succession of events that can be in chronological order to drag the reader to continue reading The plot is characterised by a: Beginning Middle Climax = Conflict End

6. 2 .- Characters Characters can be people, animals, inanimate objects in which they can be real or imaginary. Characters are needed to create a story as they will grow and change throughout the story. Characters are shaped by what the writer writes and the image that the readers creates with what they do and say. Characters can make you emotional. Characters can be well developed (round) and two dimensional (flat). Click the ted talk logo for a video 

7. 3 .- Point of View – Who is telling the Story? To the above question we find 3 possible replies: The narrator of the story = First person point of view The reader of the story = Second-person point of view An outsider looking in = Third-person narration

8. 4 .- Tense A story can be told in 3 different tenses: 1.- Past  the story is told in the past tense. As the events are over, the order and the importance can be determined by the narrator. 2.- Present  The story is told in te present tense. Sometimes the story is in the past but it is told in the present to create a dramatic effect. 3.- Future  Narration of events that will happen in the future. These narrations can be in the form of predictions or instructions.

9. 5.- Setting When and where the narrative takes place to create an image on the readers mind. The setting can be: Virtual Real Utopian Mythical Futuristic… The setting can include: The historical moment The location So the reader can create their own image while reading.

10. 6 .- Theme The theme is the central point of the story, the message revealed in the story. The theme is expressed by what the characters say, do, think and the actions that take place within the story. The theme can also be direct or indirect, letting the reader decide on the message. Some themes can be described in a single word like: Love Tragedy Betrayal Death .

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12. NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES IN STYLE

13. Narrative Techniques in Style Narrative techniques in style refers to the methods authors use to convey what they want to say not merely with an artistic end but with a greater understanding and appreciation of their literary work. Find below some examples: Imagery Simile & Metaphor Hyperboles Personification Irony

14. 1.- Imagery Language that brings to mind sensory impressions, appeals to our physical senses so that the reader can see, hear, touch, taste and smell. “The room was dark and gloomy.” “The river was roaring in the mountains.”

15. 2.- Simile and Metaphor Both compare two distinct objects and draws similarity between them. The main difference between the two is that the simile uses words like “as” and “like” while a metaphor does not. “My love is like a red red rose” “ He is an old fox very cunning.”

16. 3 .- Hyperbole A deliberate exaggeration of facts to evoke strong feelings or a strong impression. “I’ve told you that a million times already” “Your bag weighs a ton!” “I have got a million issues to look after!”

17. 4.- Personification To use human characteristics to qualify things, ideas or animals. “The flowers are dancing beside the lake.” “Have you see my new car? She is a real beauty!”

18. 5.- Irony Emphasizes the use of words in such a way in which the meaning in mind is completely opposite to the literal meaning. “The bread is soft as a stone.” “So nice of you to break my new PSP!”

19. Bibliography http://www.thinkib.net/englishalanglit/page/10277/narrative-technique http ://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/narrative-techniques-in-writing-definition-types- examples.htm http://classroom.synonym.com/literary-definition-narrative-techniques-3098. html http:// literarydevices.net https :// www.flocabulary.com