Narrative Texts—Structures & Features
Narrative texts are stories.
A narrative text can be:
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fiction: created from imagination
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nonfiction: based on facts
Narrative Text Structure
Rules
A narrative text tells a story in 3 parts:
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Beginning
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Middle
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End
Each part has different features and purposes.
Most narrative texts follow this form, but some break the mold.
Using a plot diagram can help figure out how story elements are organized and connected together.
1. The Beginning: Introduction
The beginning of a narrative text is usually referred to as the introduction. It introduces story elements so the reader can understand who and what the story is about.
The introduction generally includes:
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Features |
Tells the reader |
Examples |
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Character introduction |
Who is involved in the story. |
Physical description |
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Personality |
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Skills and aptitudes |
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Setting |
Where the story takes place. |
A city, a country, a building, another world … |
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When the story takes place. |
In the past, in the future, at this moment … |
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What the context is. |
Realistic, fantastic, futuristic, historical … |
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Initial situation |
The main character’s starting point. |
Relationships: family, friends, lovers, coworkers … |
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Occupations: work, hobbies, passions, projects … |
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Emotional state: happy, sad, frustrated, hopeful … |
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Inciting incident/Conflict |
A situation forcing the main character to act. |
Meeting someone |
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Finding an object |
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Learning new information |
2. The Middle: Body
The middle of a narrative text is the body of a story.
The body generally includes:
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Features |
Tells the reader about: |
Examples: |
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Plot points |
Major story events |
Events affecting the main character and his/her surroundings |
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Situations challenging the main character |
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Situations involving the villain(s) |
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Events moving the story along to its climax |
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Character development |
Character advancement |
Learning new abilities or information, gaining knowledge and wisdom … |
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Character goals and motivations |
Finding out the reasons behind the actions taken, the decisions made, the words spoken … |
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Character growth and change |
Overcoming weaknesses, facing challenges, learning from mistakes, making better decisions … |
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The turning point |
Final villain confrontation |
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Solving the conflict or inciting incident that started the story |
3. The End: Conclusion
The end of a narrative text is usually referred to as the conclusion.
The conclusion generally includes:
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Features |
Tells the reader: |
Examples: |
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The aftermath |
The consequences of the climax |
What was lost or gained in the climax |
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How it affected the main character. |
Physical injuries, mental trauma, new perspective on life … |
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The direction the main character’s life is now taking. |
New goals, new possibilities, new relationships … |
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The new normal |
Differences between the initial situation and now. |
Narrative Text Features
Characters
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Characters are the people represented when telling stories. Examples of characters in storytelling:
To learn more on characters, visit Narrative Texts—Characters |
Forms of Narrative Texts
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Stories can be told in different formats. Example of narrative forms in storytelling:
To learn more on narrative forms, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices |
Genres of Narrative Texts
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Genres are categories of storytelling with their own characteristics and features. Examples of narrative genres:
To learn more on narrative genres, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices |
Literary Devices
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Literary devices are techniques authors use to improve storytelling. Examples of literary devices in storytelling:
To learn more on literary devices, visit Narrative Texts—Forms, Genres & Literary Devices |
Common Narrative Text Expressions
Here are some common expressions when referring to narrative texts:
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plot/storyline |
A series of events put together to form a story. |
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plot point |
A story element that has a significant impact on the story told. |
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setting |
The place, the time, the context and the mood used to tell a story. |
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pacing |
The speed at which a story is told. |
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main idea |
The message the author is trying to communicate. |
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The event that sets the story in motion. |
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The highest point of tension in a story. |
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A visual organizer for story elements. |
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denouement |
The point when the story conflict is resolved. |
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dialogue |
A conversation between characters. |
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monologue |
A speech given by a character. |
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epilogue |
Events taking place after a story’s conclusion. |
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prologue |
Events taking place before the introduction of a story. |
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sequel |
A follow up to an existing story. |
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prequel |
A story taking place before an existing story. |
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synopsis |
A brief summary of a story’s plot. |
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blurb |
A short description of a story plot, written to appeal to readers. Usually found on a book’s back cover. |
