2. Elements of a narrative
Tension
Plot
Character
Setting
Theme
Resolution
3. Tension
The Central Problem that
drives the action of the story
•conflict in the character’s
mind
•conflict between characters
4. Tension
What is the primary cause and motivation?
Is the conflict internal (self conflict) or external (between
two or more people, between an individual or group?
In what ways does the external conflict mask or replicate the
internal conflict of the main character?
How does the main character deal with the conflict? Do they
escape it, deny it, or cover it up? How does the main
character resolve the core conflict?
5. Plot
What are the most important events that inform, alter, and
intensify the conflict?
What is the most intense event- climax or turning point?
What are the less intense events that lead towards resolution
What is the stable situation at the end of the story?
6. Characters
What do we learn about the character?
From their inner thoughts?
From what they say?
From what they do?
Is the character fleshed out, alive, and complex?
7. setting
How does the time period in which the story takes place
affect the character’s psyche and structure their conflict?
What about the place?
Or the social environment or the culture?
What is the atmosphere of the story?
How does the mood affect the readers emotional response
to the characters struggles?
