Narrative elements

5 narrative elements in a short story

Character

Theme

Plot

Point of view

Setting

CHARACTER
Important areas to consider when character is revealed INDIRECTLY by
the writer:

Actions

Dialogue

Physical description

Reactions (to other characters and events)

THEME

A central idea that runs through the literary work

Emerges in and through the development of characters, settings, plot

movement and changes

The theme(s) are usually expressed as a general observation of people

or the world we live in

The theme may be stated or implied

PLOT

A series of related events selected by the author to present and bring

about the resolution of some conflict or problem

The events in a story follow a pattern.

1. Exposition: the story begins, introduction of characters, setting and

scene are revealed, action & conflict begin
2. Complication: conflict or problem developed from the problems
characters encounter
3. Rising action: several events, which show the character wrestling with
the storys main conflict.
4. Climax: usually the turning point in the story eg . Character makes a
decision, high point in action etc.
5. Resolution: Conflict is resolved / solution is introduced, ending can be
positive or negative
POINT OF VIEW

Also known as narrative view point

Some common narrative viewpoints:

First person subjective: narrator (the person who tells the story) is major /
minor character; reader knows more than the narrator uses I eg. in
Phone Call
Third person omniscient: narrator (the person who tells the story) is a
person outside the story who knows all the events and characters eg.
in After You, My Dear Alphonse; The Rainbow Bird & The Invaders
SETTING

Place

Time

Physical environment

Social environment