Unit 1: The Power of Storytelling

Part A: Narrative Structures

Narrative: a piece of writing that tells of a related series of events (a story) Narratives are NOT only

fiction. All narratives contain

characters, conflict, and plot.

Characters: The people/actors in a story.

The “good guy” (the Main Character) around whom the plot revolves.

S/he is not always a likeable person.

The “bad guy”The person, place, or thing in conflict

with the protagonist – can be another person, a force of nature, fate, society, etc.

Characterization: The process by which writers reveal their characters’ traits (qualities) Two Types:▪Direct characterization: The writer directly tells the reader what the character is likeex. “Jennifer was a bright and honest young lady.”

▪ Indirect Characterization: The writer reveals character's traits indirectly with any combination of:▪Describing the character’s appearance▪Dialogue (what they say!)▪The opinions of other characters about the character▪Character’s actions▪The character’s private thoughts

Flat: One-dimensional (paper doll); one or two personality traits only (usually the “bad guy”)

Ex. Cinderella’sstepmother

Round: 3-dimensional; many traits and complexities (usually the main character)

Ex. Shrek!

Stock: stereotypical characterEx. Marie Barone from “Everybody Loves Raymond”

Dynamic Character: a character that changes in an important way

- Remember – “Dynamite” EXPLODES

Static Character: does not undergo a major change in the story- Remember – “static” television set

Ex. DwightSchrute from“The Office”

Motivation: The reasons for a character’s behavior- This requires you to make inferences based on characterization!

Point of View is the vantage point from which we “see” a story.

The point of view in a story affects how WE look at it and understand what happens in it.

3 Types: 1. First Person: Told by one of

the characters in the story; Uses the pronoun “I”

2. Third Person Limited: The narrator, who is almost never a character in the story, zooms in on the thoughts of just one or a select few characters

3. Third Person Omniscient: the narrator knows all there is to know about the characters and problems

Conflict: The struggle between opposing characters or forces; Problems

Clash between a character and an outside force – with another person, object, or entity.

Man vs. Man

Man vs. Nature

And many others…

A struggle within a character’s mind

Man vs. Self

Plot: The series of events that occurs in the story that presents and resolves a conflict. There are seven (7) elements of plot. Freytag’s Pyramid helps us remember

the elements of plot and the order they usually go in.

1. Exposition: introduces the setting, characters, and any necessary background

2. Inciting Moment/Incident: An event occurs that initiates the main action and begins the primary conflict in the story.

3. Rising Action: Presents complications that intensify the conflict; builds suspense as we wonder what the outcome will be.

4. Climax: The turning point in the story and the moment of greatest suspense

5. Falling Action: The events that occur as a result of the climax, but before the primary problem created in the inciting moment has been resolved.

6. Resolution: The main problem created by the inciting moment/incident is solved.

7. Denouement: The “where are they now.” The author ties up any loose ends and answers any remaining questions.

1. Linear Plot: Goes in chronological order – the events are told in the order in which they happened (Goes in order of Freytag’s Pyramid without deviation)

2. Non-Linear Plot: Events are NOT revealed in the order that they occurred, but in some other order that the writer chooses Flashback: a scene within the story that

interrupts the sequence of events to reveal something that happened at an earlier time

Foreshadowing: hints or clues early on that suggest things that will happen later in the story

Sensory Language: Words and phrases that appeal to the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and/or taste. Sensory details create…

Imagery: Vivid descriptions that re-create sensory experiences for the reader, creating “word pictures”

Ex: “a thundering downpour of rain”

To what senses does this example appeal? What image does it create?

Mood: The feeling or atmosphere that the writer creates for the reader using imagery and setting details.

What senses do the following details appeal to, and what image and mood do they create all together?

“Flashes of lightning illuminated the ink-black sky.”

“Another cobweb stuck to her cold, clammy skin.”

“The foul smell of dead mice hung in the air.”

“She could not get the metallic taste of fear out of her mouth.”

“There was an ominous scratching on the door.”

Diction: Word choiceWriters choose their words with

purpose. If we can analyze diction, it can help us understand their theme and purpose.

In order to analyze diction, we have to be able to analyze…

Denotation: The dictionary or literal meaning of a word.

Ex: Plump = a full, round, and pleasing figure

Connotation: All the meanings, associations, or feelings that a word suggests.

Ex: Fat = while similar in denotative meaning to plump, it has a very harsh and mean connotation

Why study diction?A writer or speaker’s choice of words

evoke emotions within us.The connotation of a word can be

positive, negative, or neutral.

Examine the diction in the following sentences. What are the connotations here? Which sentence has a more positive connotation, and which has a more negative connotation?

You look unique today. You look odd today. You look weird today.

Examine the diction in the following sentences. What are the connotations here? Which has a more positive emotional connotation?

I’m crazy about him. I love him to the

depths of my soul.

Categorize the following words as having a positive, negative, or neutral connotation.

Friendly Clever House

Dislike Love Home

Sincere Infatuation Admit

Tone: The writer’s/speaker’s attitude toward his/her subject or audience. This is described by a single adjective (ex. a sarcastic tone, a playful tone, a bitter tone) and can be figured out by examining the diction and the choice of details in a text.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO CONFUSE TONE WITH MOOD!

You are now responsible for knowing and being able to apply the literary terms in this lesson. Most of them are review, so study them carefully and be sure you know them!