The document outlines a method for crafting a narrative essay using a three-word statement format to structure a five-statement outline involving conflict, complications, and resolution. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the main character, action verbs, and direct objects to create effective scenes. Additionally, it highlights common pitfalls such as mismatching conflict and resolution, encouraging writers to maintain focus and clarity.

1. The Narrative Essay
Tell Me a Story

2. The Franklin Outline
Use a three-word statements
In a five-statement narrative outline

3. Five
Statement
outline
1. Conflict
2. Complication ONE
3. Complication TWO
4. Complication THREE
5. Resolution

4. Three Word
Statements
FIRST WORD:
The main character or the
main thing that is center
stage or taking the action.
Sam

5. Three-Word
Statements
SECOND WORD:
Use an action verb (not
words like “is.”
shows

6. Three Word
Statements
THIRD WORD:
The character or the thing
receiving the action. Another
word for it is THE DIRECT
OBJECT.
scouts.

7. Three-Word
Statement
The first line is
the conflict statement.
Sam shows scouts.

8. Here are some things that
can go wrong in the first line:
• If you do not include a main character or
a main thing.
• If you do not use an action verb.
• If you leave off the direct object.
• Not matching up conflict and resolution.

9. What Can go Wrong?
• Not matching up conflict and resolution.
• In my example they do match up:
• Sam shows scouts.
• Matches:
• Sam studies hard.

10. Even the best narrative essay
outlines will feel fuzzy or like you are
trying to nail Jello to the wall. WHY??
• Because you are dealing with inner conflict.
--Jon Franklin, Writing for Story

11. SO,
Go Ahead and Start Using a
Three-Word Statement in a
Five-Statement Outline

12. Action verbs create scenes.
Scenes with conflict rise to climax and then to a
resolution
It Forces You to Focus and
Eliminate the Unnecessary.

13. Conflict: Sam shows scouts.
Complication 1: Sam missed the ball.
Complication 2: Scouts ignore Sam.
Complication 3: Sam changes focus.
Resolution Sam wins scholarships.
The Narrative outline

14. Conflict:
Complication 1:
Complication 2:
Complication 3:
Resolution:
(Write this down and put on top of draft)
Your Narrative outline

15. Try this while writing your
narrative essay.