This document outlines the seven key elements of narrative writing: plot, setting, atmosphere, characterization, theme, point of view, and figurative language/literary devices. It defines each element and provides examples. Requirements for the assigned narrative include having an evident plot with conflict, well-established setting, a protagonist and antagonist, consistent atmosphere/mood, identifiable theme, first-person point of view, and use of at least two literary devices at least three times each.

1. Elements of
Narrative
Writing
Choice Writing Assignment Quarter 3

2. The Seven Elements:
Plot
Setting
Atmosphere
Characterization
Theme
Point of View
Figurative Language &Literary Devices

3. Plot
What happens in the story; the events that
occur from beginning to end.
All plots have a conflict, which is a
struggle between forces. Common conflict
choices are:
Human vs. Human
Human vs. Nature
Human vs. Society
Human vs. Him/Herself

4. Setting
The WHEN and WHERE the story
occurs (time and place).
Place: The geographical location; where
does the action of the story take place?
Time: When is the story taking place?
(historical period, time of day, year, etc.)

5. Setting
Weather Conditions: Is it hot and sunny?
Rainy and cold? Snowing, etc.
Social Conditions: What is the daily life of
the characters like? Does the story mention
mannerisms, clothing ,dialect, etc. of a
particular place?

6. Characterization
Protagonist: The main character or “hero” of
the story. The character whose actions form
the basis of the plot.
Antagonist: The character who opposes the
protagonist and/or creates obstacles for
him/her. Also can be the forces that work
against protagonist's success (ex.
Protagonist’s own character flaws/traits)

7. Characterization
Dynamic (or Round) Character: A character
that changes throughout story; is complex and
has many sides.
Static (or flat) Character: A character that
never changes throughout the story; is one-
sided.

8. Atmosphere
Atmosphere or Mood: The feeling the
created during the story. Is it bright and
cheery, or dark and frightening? This
element can stay throughout the story or
evolve over time and change.

9. Theme
The main point or central idea around which
the story is focused.
Can be a statement about life or human nature that
is explicitly conveyed or implied.
Can be the author’s message or central insight the
he/she is trying to communicate through the story.
Like a moral to a story.
Examples: love, hate, betrayal, friendship, etc.

10. Point of View
Position or positions from which a literary work
is told to the reader.
First Person Narration: Uses “I”, “me” , “my”, etc.
Told from the perspective of the narrator speaking
directly about him/herself.
Third Person Narration: Uses “he”, “she”, etc.
Told from the perspective of an outside narrator
who Is not a character within the story.

11. Figurative Language & Literary Devices
Figurative Language: The use of words to
affect a meaning other than the usual or literal
meaning of those words.
Literary Devices: a technique a writer uses to
produce a special effect in their writing.
irony, imagery, metaphor, pun, oxymoron,
hyperbole, analogy, personification, paradox,
simile, cliché, alliteration, onomatopoeia, allusion,
assonance, euphemism, idiom, consonance,
flashback, foreshadowing.

12. Requirements of Your Narrative
Plot-one common plot evident.
Setting-place and time well established.
Characterization-includes a protagonist and
antagonist; more points will be given for dynamic
characterization.
Atmosphere/Mood-established early and continues
throughout story.
Theme-reader should easily be able to identify at
least one major theme to the story.
Point of View-FIRST PERSON ONLY!

13. Figurative Language & Literary Devices-
Need to have AT LEAST 2 different literary devices
used at least 3 times correctly in your story.
More devices=more points!!
Narrative may be nonfiction (true story) or fiction (not
true).