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Introduction to Narrative Writing

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Introduction to Narrative Writing

Read the short narrative, then investigate how its choices create suspense. Finish by planning and drafting an original opening. Use evidence from the text when asked. There can be many effective creative answers; sample answers are provided as models.

Read: The Last Ferry

At 6:12 pm, the last ferry pulled away from the jetty. Mara watched its lights shrink across the darkening inlet. Her brother, Eli, was still on the far side with the only key to their grandfather’s boathouse—and the storm warning had just changed from yellow to red. Mara’s phone showed one bar of reception. She typed, “Stay there. I’m coming,” then deleted it. The kayak beside the jetty had a split paddle and a rope tangled around its bow. Across the water, a torch flashed twice from the old signal tower: their agreed sign for trouble. The wind slapped spray into Mara’s face. She untied the rope from the jetty post, climbed into the kayak and pushed off. Halfway across, something bumped the hull from below. Mara stopped paddling. In the black water, a pale hand appeared—then vanished.

Investigate the Narrative

Use the passage above for Questions 1–6. Answer in complete sentences where appropriate.

1.Which choice best describes the story’s point of view, and what clue supports your answer?

First person; the narrator uses “I” to tell the story.
Third person limited; the narrator follows Mara’s actions and access to information.
Third person omniscient; the narrator explains every character’s thoughts.
Second person; the narrator addresses the reader as “you.”

2.Identify one detail that establishes the setting and one detail that makes the setting feel threatening. Explain how each works.

3.Put these events in the order they happen by writing 1–4 beside each: ___ Mara pushes off in the kayak. ___ The ferry leaves. ___ A pale hand appears beside the hull. ___ Mara sees the torch flash twice.

4.The passage ends on a cliffhanger. Which technique most directly creates it?

The narrator explains what the pale hand is.
The action pauses at an unexplained, alarming moment.
The story jumps forward to the next morning.
Mara remembers a funny event from childhood.

5.Find one example of sensory description and name the sense it appeals to. Then explain the mood it helps create.

6.Explain how Mara’s goal, the setting and the obstacle work together to create tension. Refer to specific details.

Build Your Own Narrative

Plan a story opening using the prompts. Choose a character with a goal, place them somewhere specific, and introduce a problem that makes the reader want to continue.

7.Choose one opening strategy for an original story: begin with action, a striking setting, dialogue, or an unexpected discovery. State your choice and write a first sentence that uses it.

8.Create a brief plan: Who is your main character? What do they want? Where and when does the story begin? What obstacle complicates their goal?

9.Draft a narrative opening of 100–150 words from your plan. Establish character and setting, introduce a complication, and use at least two deliberate techniques (for example, sensory detail, dialogue, sentence-length variation or foreshadowing).

10.Revise one sentence from your draft to make it more vivid or suspenseful. Copy the original idea and your improved version, then name the change you made.