Purpose
- To amuse, interest and entertain.
- To tell or narrate a sequence of events involving the problems and conflicts faced by certain characters in specific times and places.
Structure of a Fictional Narrative
Orientation/Introduction
(beginning) |
In which the characters, setting and time are established.
This answers the: Who? When? Where? |
Complication –
Series of events (middle) |
Describes the situations, activities and events involving the characters.
The events are expanded upon using descriptive language. These events are written in a fluent and cohesive sequence.
|
Resolution
(ending)
|
The complication is resolved |
Textual Features
- Plot may follow orientation, complication, resolution format
- Clear setting of story in a particular time and place
- Strong characterisation to reveal thoughts, feeling, values and growth
- Point of view generally consistent
Language Features
Descriptive language to create vivid images using:
-
- Figurative language
- Adverbs, adjectives to describe nouns
- Analogy
- Either written in first or third person with use of relevant pronouns
- Dialogue
- Present tense in dialogue, then usually past tense for remainder of the story
Narrative graphic organisers:
ReadWriteThink Interactive story map
Assessment rubric and student checklist
My grateful thanks to Esther Weichert, an amazing educator and Lesley Jan Wing for her wonderful resource on which the writing resources on this blog are based.
Also Read Write Think for online resources.
Bibliography
Wing Jan, L 2009, Write Ways, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, Melbourne.