Narrative
Definition and Overview
A narrative is a report of connected events, real or imaginary, presented in a sequence of written or spoken words, or still or moving images. It is a story that is created in a constructive format, such as a work of literature, theatre, or cinema, that describes a sequence of fictional or non-fictional events. The word derives from the Latin verb narrare, "to tell", and is related to the adjective gnarus, "knowing" or "skilled". Narratologists study what narratives have in common and what makes one different from another.
Types of Narrative
There are several types of narrative, including myths, legends, fables, folk tales, short stories, and novels. In some cases, narrative can be entirely composed of fictional events. The narrative structure in literature is typically a story's chronological structure, but the term also refers to the visual nature of story-telling.
Myths
A myth is a traditional story that was created to explain the mysteries of the universe. Myths often involve gods and goddesses and the adventures they have. They are often used to explain the origins of the world and the universe.
Legends
Legends are narratives that are perceived as true by the teller and listeners, but they may or may not be based on fact. They are often about a heroic character or a significant event, and they often contain elements of the supernatural.
Fables
A fable is a short story that teaches a lesson or moral. The characters in fables are usually animals that speak and act like humans.
Folk Tales
Folk tales are stories that have been passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. They include fairy tales, tall tales, trickster tales, and other types of stories.
Short Stories
A short story is a brief work of fiction, usually written in prose. It is a genre that has fewer characters and events than a novel, and usually focuses on a single incident.
Novels
A novel is a long, fictional narrative which describes intimate human experiences. The novel in the modern era usually makes use of a literary prose style.
Elements of Narrative
A narrative has to have a plot, characters, a setting, a climax, and an ending. The plot is the sequence of events in the story or play. The characters are the individuals that the story is about. The setting is the location and time that the story takes place. The climax is the high point of the story for the reader. Lastly, the ending is how everything wraps up in the end.
Plot
The plot is what happens in the story, the series of events. Plots can be significant in themselves since chances are pretty good that some action in the story will derive from some conflict.
Characters
Characters are the people who inhabit the story and move it along. Typically, there are minor and main characters. The main character is known as the protagonist.
Setting
The setting is where the story takes place. The setting can be a real place or a fictitious one. It can also be a certain time period.
Climax
The climax is the most intense point of the story. This is often where the main problem or conflict is addressed.
Ending
The ending is how the story concludes. Many endings are happy, but they don't have to be.
Narrative Techniques
Narrative techniques are the methods that writers use to give certain artistic and emotional effects to a story. Although the term can be used to refer to any aspect of storytelling, in literature, it often refers to the ways in which writers craft their narratives to engage readers and convey meaning.
Point of View
The point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. The most common points of view are first person, second person, and third person.
Dialogue
Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a story. Dialogue can reveal the personality of the characters, provide information, and move the plot forward.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a narrative device that hints at coming events; it often creates suspense or anxiety in the reader.
Flashback
A flashback is a narrative device that presents events that happened before the current action of the story.
Symbolism
Symbolism is a narrative technique where an object or person stands for something else.
The Role of Narrative in Society
Narratives play a significant role in society. They are a means of entertainment, a tool for teaching and learning, and a way to preserve culture and history. Narratives can also influence our beliefs and attitudes, shape our identities, and affect our understanding of the world.