Metafiction Creative Writing Worksheet
📚 Part 1: Understanding Metafiction
1. What is metafiction? Circle the best definition:
A story about fiction writers
A text that draws attention to itself as a story and breaks the fourth wall
A story with multiple characters
A very long fictional narrative
2. Which of these are metafictive techniques? Check all that apply:
The narrator speaking directly to the reader
Multiple possible endings
Characters discussing the fact they're in a story
Using only past tense verbs
The author commenting on their own writing within the text
🔍 Part 2: Analysing "The Story Thief"
3. Find an example from "The Story Thief" where the narrative uses a metafictive technique. Quote it below:
4. What effect does this metafictive technique have on you as a reader? Explain in 2-3 sentences:
5. Match the metafictive technique with its example:
1. Direct reader address
2. Multiple endings
3. Authorial intrusion
4. Self-referential narration
A. "Now, dear reader, you must choose..."
B. "This story could end here, or..."
C. "I should mention that this character..."
D. "This tale is getting quite complicated"
✏️ Part 3: Planning Your Metafictive Story
6. What will your story be about? Write a brief premise (1-2 sentences):
7. Who are your main characters?
8. Which metafictive techniques will you use in your story? Check at least two:
Speaking directly to the reader
Multiple possible endings
Characters aware they're in a story
Author commenting on the story
Reader making choices that affect the plot
Breaking the fourth wall
9. Plan your story structure. Where will you place your metafictive techniques?
Beginning: ________________________________
Middle: ___________________________________
End(s): ___________________________________
🎭 Part 4: Multiple Endings Planning
10. Describe your first possible ending:
11. Describe your second possible ending:
12. How will you let the reader choose between endings? Describe your method:
🎨 Part 5: Creative Elements
13. Draw a quick sketch or diagram of how your story will be structured (include where metafictive elements appear):
14. Write an opening sentence that uses a metafictive technique:
15. What effect do you want your metafictive story to have on readers? Fill in the blank:
I want my readers to feel _________________ when they realise they can _________________ the story's outcome. This will make them think about _________________.
🤔 Part 6: Reflection
16. How is writing a metafictive story different from writing a traditional story?
17. What challenges do you think you'll face when writing your metafictive narrative?
18. Rate your confidence in using metafictive techniques (circle one):
Very confident - I understand completely
Confident - I understand most concepts
Somewhat confident - I need some clarification
Not confident - I need more help
