Narrative Elements Review

Point of View (POV or Perspective)- Who is telling the story and why?

1st Person- Narrator is a part of the story & is also telling the story (Pronoun- I, me, we, us). Ex. I poured my mother a glass of ice-cold milk.

2nd Person- As the reader, you place yourself directly in the head space of a particular character (Pronoun- You). This is the least used POV. Ex. You instruct the chief of police to bring the prisoner to your office.

3rd Person- The narrator is outside the story but has insight to the character(s) (Pronouns- He, They). Limited- The narrator can only reveal the thoughts, feelings, and understanding of a single character at any given time. Omniscient- The narrator is all-knowing — meaning that they’re able to reveal anything that is happening, has happened, or will happen in the world of the story.

Ex. He knew that that turkey sandwich was his.

Ex. Little did the twins realize, they were both being watched.

Theme- What lessons do the characters learn? At the end of the story, what is the main takeaway?

Conflict- Motivates characters, affects the plot, and ultimately dictates the theme of a narrative

Plot- The sequence of events in a narrative. In other words the five plot elements: the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action & resolution

POV- 3rd Person- The narrator is outside of the story

Conflict- The hare has challenged the tortoise to a race

Plot- Exposition- Hare brags about running fast & challenges the tortoise. Rising Action- Hare and tortoise race; the Hare decides to take a nap not concerned with the tortoise beating him; the Tortoise slowly & steadily continues to run. Climax- Tortoise passes Hare while he sleeps and wins the race. Falling Action- The animals cheer for Tortoise. Resolution- Hare has learned a lesson about bragging.

Theme- Slow & steady wins the race or Success is not always about speed.