Elements of

Narrative Writing
A closer look at the Introduction, Body and Conclusion of a short story.
Class objectives

► List the elements of the structure of a short story.

► Analyse sample introductory paragraphs in a short story.

► Create an introduction in groups of 5.
Structure of a story

Climax
Reveals the extent of the problem or conflict

Rising action Falling action

Describes setting, Involves the resolution and theme.
characters,
and introduces
a problem/ conflict.
Introduction of a short story

► Provides details of the Setting (Time and Place) for the beginning of the
story/ flashback. (Students should use ample literary devices and adjectives
to appeal to the reader’s five senses.) Can include a flash back or
foreshadow.
► Introduces protagonist/ main characters. (Students must provide a physical,
emotional and mental description of the main characters, as well as, give
details about the main character’s actions and add dialogue that will help the
reader to connect with the character).
Sample introduction of a short story

Introduction- Read “Journey By Night” by Undine Guiseppi on page 62 in your

English for All Book 3- lines 1- 6 (character)
Student sample of an Introduction

► Matthew Moodoo  5J  10/06/2021

English Short Story Assignment Submission
► “Today is the day, today is the day,” recited the wee little voice in Moor’s head as he
trampled the sidewalk, inching closer and closer to the old navy blue house. This moment
was much-anticipated for the entire week, the fateful 3PM on Friday where he would make
history; a venture into the ‘great unknown’, or at least that’s what the other children in his
neighbourhood deemed it. The key with the house’s street number that he had found lying
on the scorching concrete of a dried-up drain was the catalyst, piquing his interest in what
he could discover in the old dilapidated dwelling. As he set foot on the wildly unkempt,
hairy green grass flooding out of the front yard, his wave of hype had reached its height.
There it lay, in all its shyness, seeking the comforting shelter of the shade of two towering
oak trees, flanking its sides like sentries. The closer he got, the more withered the home
appeared. The door was closed and the cobwebs in front of it suggested it had not been
opened for a long time. Moor turned the key and pushed open the door. 
Closure

► Exit- note name one thing that you

remembered or learnt from today’s
class.
Feel free to send me you questions in
the stream/ privately?