Narrative structure: fiction

1. Narrative structure: fiction Eng 201 INTRO TO LITERATURE Prof. Everson

2. Narrative vs. plot* Narrative – is what happens Plot: the relation of those events to each other and the characters E. M. Forster formulated the difference most memorably. He observed that if we write “The king died, and the queen died,” we have a narrative, but if we write, instead, “The king died, and the queen died of grief,” then we have a plot. Aspects of the Novel, 1927 * Adapted from: “Plot” by Robert Montenegro at http://litera1no4.tripod.com/plot_frame.html

3. plotting: literary design Plot establishes a link of cause between events. And this, the making of connections, or designs, is the essence of storytelling. Narrative is simply a record of what happened. For narrative to become a plot it must reveal its meaning in human terms. Events only become interesting, which is to say relevant to our understanding of life, when we see their effect upon people, or, in the case of fiction, upon characters.

4. Loose vs. tight Plot Loose plot: The writer of fiction may not explain the connections between events and characters. Sometimes the reader must infer what that connection is: the reader must “figure it out.” Some writers want the readers to work at it – where the reader has to assemble the plot him or herself. Tight plot: traditional stories are usually easy to follow the events – they have a very tight plot line with no gaps so a reader or listener does not need to guess the connections between events.

5. narrative structure The plot, or storyline usually involves conflict and follows a particular pattern: Exposition: where action or conflict begins Rising action: events that develop the conflict Climax: point of greatest emotional tension Resolution or denouement: where loose ends are wrapped up. !!Some works do not follow this pattern!!

6. Classic narrative structure Modified Freytag’s Pyramid (Gustav Freytag, Dramatic Technique, 1863) climax rising action falling action exposition denouement rising action

7. Exposition: main character or protagonist: who the story is about is introduced – sometimes the antagonist as well setting: where the action takes place as well as the time period. conflict, tension or problem: the struggle within the story begins or is introduced.

8. Rising action: conflict, tension or problem: is developed through crises or confrontations. Character may be struggling against self, Character against another character (antagonist) Character against society Character against nature Character against God Without a conflict, there is no story.

9. Narrative sequence: Some stories told in chronological order (time order), others may switch back and forward in time. When a story starts in the middle of an action it is called in medias res. flashback: events that happened earlier than when the story begins flashforward: events that happen much later than the main time frame; often used at end of traditional story to explain what happens to the characters

10. Narrative sequence: Some stories that are chronological order may also contains hints or clues about what will happen later foreshadowing: uses action or mood to prepare the reader for something that will happen later in the work – many stories prepare readers or listeners for a death or something tragic or horrific; Sometimes the foreshadow is subtle and easily missed; other writers use the element of surprise by misleading readers

11. climax The highest point of action; the point of no return. In traditional tales it is the final moment of confrontation or struggle. Answers: what happens to the protagonist (win or lose?) Sometimes stories end just at or after the climax.

12. Falling action, resolution or denouement All the loose ends are wrapped up. Explains the consequences of the climax. Answers the question: what finally happened to the protagonist? Sometimes – there is not resolution, or minimal wrapping up.