Introduction to Narrative Craft
Welcome! In this chapter, we are exploring Narrative Craft. Think of a writer as a master builder: instead of bricks and mortar, they use character, setting, and point of view to construct a world that feels real to the reader. Whether you are reading a piece of fiction like The Necklace or a non-fiction account like 127 Hours, the writer uses these tools to grab your attention and make you care about what happens next.
Understanding these elements is vital for your AO2 marks, where you must analyse how writers use structure and language to achieve effects. Don't worry if it seems like a lot to take in—we will break it down step-by-step!
Note: For more on how words and imagery affect narrative, see the chapter "Word choice, imagery and figurative language".
1. Character: The "Who" of the Story
Characters are the heart of any narrative. A writer doesn't just tell you a character is "sad" or "brave"; they use characterisation to show you who they are. In your exam, look for how the writer builds a picture of the people involved.
How Writers Build Characters
To remember how to analyse a character, use the STEAL acronym:
- S — Speech: What does the character say? How do they say it? (e.g., the cold dialogue in Chinese Cinderella).
- T — Thoughts: What is revealed about their inner feelings? (e.g., Mrs Mallard’s private thoughts in The Story of an Hour).
- E — Effect on others: How do other people react to them?
- A — Actions: What do they do? (e.g., Aron Ralston’s logical, clinical actions while trapped in 127 Hours).
- L — Looks: Physical descriptions that hint at personality.
Direct vs. Indirect Characterisation
Direct Characterisation is when the writer tells you exactly what a character is like (e.g., "He was a nervous man").
Indirect Characterisation is more subtle. The writer shows you traits through the character’s behaviour or appearance, leaving you to infer (guess) their personality. This is often more engaging for the reader.
Quick Tip: In non-fiction texts like A Passage to Africa, the "character" is often a real person. Look at how George Alagiah describes the "nameless" people to show their dignity despite their suffering.
Key Takeaway: Characterisation is about more than just a name; it is the combination of voice, actions, and appearance that makes a person feel "three-dimensional."
2. Setting: The "Where" and "When"
Setting isn't just a backdrop like a painting on a wall; it influences the mood and can even change how characters behave. In your anthology texts, setting often plays a huge role in the atmosphere.
Creating Atmosphere
Writers use the setting to make you feel a certain way. This is often called the mood or ambiance.
- Sensory Details: Writers use sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste to make a setting vivid. In Whistle and I'll Come to You, Susan Hill uses the sound of the wind and the isolation of the marsh to create a sense of fear.
- Setting as a Reflection: Sometimes, the setting reflects a character's emotions. If a character is lonely, the writer might describe a vast, empty landscape.
- Historical or Social Context: When and where a story is set matters. In The Necklace, the rigid social hierarchy of 19th-century Paris is essential to understanding Mathilde’s unhappiness.
Did you know?
In travel writing, such as Beyond the Sky and Earth: A Journey into Bhutan, the setting is the main focus. Jamie Zeppa uses detailed descriptions of the mountains and the "pinch-me" scenery to convey her sense of wonder and overwhelming change.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just list the features of the setting. Instead, explain why the writer described it that way. Does it make the reader feel safe, or does it create a sense of danger?
Key Takeaway: Setting establishes the "rules" of the world and sets the emotional tone for the reader.
3. Point of View: The "Lens"
Point of view (POV) is the perspective from which the story is told. It is like a camera lens: it decides how much the reader can see and how close we get to the action.
Types of Point of View
- First Person ("I"): The narrator is a character in the story. This creates intimacy and makes the reader feel like they are experiencing events alongside the narrator.
Example: Most non-fiction in your anthology (like H is for Hawk) uses the first person because it is a personal account. - Third Person Limited ("He/She"): The narrator is outside the story but focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.
Example: The Necklace allows us to see Mathilde’s desires and frustrations closely, even though she isn't the narrator. - Third Person Omniscient ("All-knowing"): The narrator knows everything about all characters and events. This gives the reader a "God-like" perspective.
The Effect of Perspective
When choosing a POV, a writer is deciding how much information to give you. A first-person narrator might be unreliable (they might lie or be mistaken), which creates mystery. A third-person narrator might feel more objective and "truthful."
Analogy: Imagine a car crash.
- First person: The driver telling you how scared they felt. (Emotional and personal).
- Third person: A witness on the pavement describing what they saw. (Closer to the facts, but less personal).
Key Takeaway: Point of view controls the "distance" between the reader and the characters. First person is close and personal; third person can be more detached.
Quick Review: Putting it All Together
In the exam, when you are asked how a writer uses structure or language (AO2), look for these three elements working together:
- Identify: Which point of view is used? Where is it set? Who are the main characters?
- Evidence: Find a short, specific quote (e.g., a description of a cold room or a character's trembling hands).
- Explain: How does this specific detail make the reader feel? Does the setting make the character seem smaller? Does the first-person perspective make you sympathise with them?
Don't forget: Narrative craft is just as important in non-fiction. Writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in The Danger of a Single Story use their own "character" and specific settings (like her childhood in Nigeria) to make a powerful argument. You can use the same analytical tools for both fiction and non-fiction!