What is Narrative Writing?

Narrative writing is characterized by a main character in a setting who engages with a problem
or event in a significant way. Telling a good story goes beyond just having a beginning, middle,
and end. Closely related to having a point, there needs to be a plot that is developed and
carried out through the narrative. Basically, a plot is all of the major events of a story working
together to give it a point.
The plot is a sequence of events in a story that forces a character to make increasingly difficult
decisions, driving the story toward a climactic event and resolution.
Okay, so what does this mean? The plot has a particular structure that allows authors to buckle
in their readers for a roller-coaster ride. That’s not just a silly metaphor. Like a roller-coaster ride,
the plot of any literary work will slowly increase the anticipation, excitement, and expectations of
the reader before reaching the highest point. After this high point, the plot quickly drops off
giving the reader exhilaration and satisfaction before slowing to a stop.
In more specific terms, the plot is about cause and effect. Every fact in the story must drive the
plot. Whether it is to invite the reader to ask questions or to illuminate character growth, the
elements of the plot are important.

Plot Diagram Exposition (Beginning)

The exposition is the introduction to the narrative presented to the audience. The characters are
introduced, and their personalities are displayed through their interactions with each other, with
extra attention spent on the protagonist. The setting and time frame are also important factors
that create an environment where the story is taking place. The exposition needs to be
well-established so that the following steps within the plot diagram can be built upon.

Plot Diagram Rising Action

The rising action includes all of the events that lead up to the turning point of a story. The rising
action will feature the majority of the details and will depict the gradual progression of the main
idea. This gradual progression will highlight suspense and tension that eventually build to a
turning point in the story. When there is a problem or conflict within the story, the rising action
will show the problem becoming worse and more complicated.

Plot Diagram Climax

The climax is the part of the story where there is a turning point in the narrative. The climax is
the most exciting and eventful part and takes place toward the end of the story. For the reader
and viewer, this encourages someone to keep reading or watching the story. The purpose of the
climax is to show challenging events that affect the main character.

Plot Diagram Falling Action

The falling action includes all events that combine to lead to the resolution of the story. This
section of the plot diagram immediately follows the climax. The climax will produce lasting
effects that will be felt until the end. These lasting effects are usually consequences brought
about by the turning point of the narrative. The falling action will also highlight changes within
the protagonist caused by the climax. The overall suspense of the story will be decreasing
during the falling action.