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Crafting Compelling Narratives

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Crafting Compelling Narratives

Explore the building blocks of a story, practise vivid description, then plan and write an original narrative. Finish by reflecting on your writing.

Story building blocks

Match each story element with its meaning.

1.Match each narrative element to the correct description.

Setting
Character
Plot
Conflict
Resolution

The time and place where events happen
The way the main problem is dealt with
The events that make up the story
The people or beings in a story
The central problem or struggle

2.Read this short story extract: “At dusk, Sione reached the windswept lighthouse on the edge of the peninsula. His little sister’s kite was tangled high on the rocks below, and the tide was already creeping in. He had promised to bring it home before dark.” Identify the setting, the main character and the conflict.

Make language vivid

A simile compares using “like” or “as”. A metaphor describes one thing as if it were another.

3.Label each example as a simile or metaphor: “The moon was a silver coin in the sky.” “The river curled through the valley like a blue ribbon.” Then create one original simile about a tree and one original metaphor about the sea.

4.Rewrite this plain sentence to make it more vivid. Include at least one simile or metaphor: “Keira crossed the paddock.”

Plan and write a narrative

Plan an original story. Jot down ideas for each part, then use them to write at least two paragraphs.

5.Plan your story’s setting. Where and when will the events take place?

6.Plan your main character. Who are they, and what are two or three traits that describe them?

7.What problem or challenge will your main character face?

8.List two or three important events that happen as your character tries to deal with the problem.

9.How will the problem be resolved? What might your character learn or change?

10.Write your narrative in at least two paragraphs. Include a clear setting, character, conflict and resolution, and use descriptive language such as a simile or metaphor.

Reflect and give feedback

Use the checklist to review your story, then offer a peer a kind and useful response.

11.Tick every statement that is true of your narrative: it has a clear setting, character and conflict; it includes a simile or metaphor; it has a beginning, middle and end; it uses varied vocabulary; its resolution makes sense.

12.Name one part of your narrative-writing you would like to improve next time.

13.Give a partner feedback on their narrative: write two things they did effectively and one helpful suggestion for making the story stronger.