The Art of Storytelling
Narrative techniques
Narrative techniques are the artistic tools wielded by writers to weave compelling stories. In this advanced course, we delve into the intricate world of narrative techniques, where literary devices come to life, and narrative tenses shape the very fabric of time in a story.
The objective of the lesson:
- Understand and apply narrative techniques in storytelling.
- Master the use of narrative tenses to convey a compelling story.
Introduction: Narrative techniques help writers to tell stories effectively. They encompass a range of literary devices and narrative tenses play a crucial role in shaping the temporal structure of a story.
1. Point of View (POV)
Understanding the narrative perspective is like choosing the lens through which your story will be seen. Whether it’s the intimacy of the first person, the controlled observation of the third person limited, or the all-encompassing view of the omniscient narrator, each POV imparts a unique flavour to the narrative. Consider the following example:
Example:
- First Person: “I felt the raindrops on my skin, a gentle reminder of forgotten dreams.”
- Third Person Limited: “She felt the raindrops on her skin, a gentle reminder of forgotten dreams.”
- Omniscient: “The raindrops kissed their skins, a gentle reminder of dreams long forgotten.”
2. Dialogue
Dialogue is the heartbeat of a narrative, offering insight into characters, driving the plot forward, and injecting life into the story. Crafting meaningful and authentic dialogue is an art, one that enhances the reader’s connection with the narrative.
Example:
“Why are you always late?” she snapped, her frustration evident. He chuckled, “I prefer making an entrance.”
3. Flashbacks and Foreshadowing
Playing with time adds layers to storytelling. Flashbacks transport the reader to the past, unraveling mysteries, while foreshadowing hints at what’s to come, building anticipation.
Example:
- Flashback: The scent of lavender wafted through the air, taking her back to that summer in Provence.
- Foreshadowing: Little did he know, this chance encounter would alter the course of his life.
4. Symbolism and Imagery
Symbols and vivid imagery paint a picture in the reader’s mind, evoking emotions and creating a sensory experience. They are the tools of expression that transcend the literal.
Example:
- The crumbling wall stood as a symbol of resilience, weathering the storms of time.
- The city lights danced like a thousand fireflies in the night, casting a magical glow.
Find them out
Read the following fairy tale and find where some of the techniques above could be used.
In the quiet town of Eldora, where time seemed to stand still, the ancient clock tower stood as a symbol of continuity. Its resounding chimes echoed through the cobblestone streets, marking the passage of days, months, and years. The townspeople regarded it not just as a timekeeper but as a guardian of their shared history.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the landscape, a vivid memory unfolded in the mind of Olivia, an elderly resident. She remembered the days when children’s laughter filled the air, and the town square was adorned with vibrant flowers. The memory transported her to a simpler time, etched in the annals of her mind.
One evening, as the townspeople gathered in the quaint cafe, a mysterious stranger named Elijah entered. His arrival served as a subtle hint of events yet to unfold. Elijah’s enigmatic presence hinted at a change that would ripple through the fabric of Eldora, leaving an indelible mark on its destiny.
In the dimly lit cafe, lively conversation filled the air, revealing the hopes, dreams, and fears of the townspeople. Through their exchanges, secrets were shared, alliances formed, and conflicts simmered beneath the surface. The dialogue was a mosaic of voices, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Eldora’s narrative.
The tale of Eldora was narrated through the lens of multiple characters, shifting their own opinions from one resident to another. This narrative technique allowed the reader to delve into the inner thoughts and emotions of each character, creating a mosaic of perspectives that painted a comprehensive picture of the town’s collective consciousness.
Suggested answer: para 1- symbol, para 2 – flashback, para 3 – foreshadowing, para 4 – dialogue, para 5 – POV.
Grammar master
Read the text paying attention to the verbs in bold.
The Enchanted Garden: A Time-Traveling Odyssey
On a tranquil Sunday afternoon, I was exploring the forgotten corners of my grandmother’s garden. The air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the distant hum of bees was creating a symphony of nature. Little did I know that the garden had held secrets that would catapult me into a time-travelling odyssey.
As I wandered among the vibrant tulips, a peculiar old watch caught my eye. It had lain nestled beneath the ancient oak tree, partially concealed by overgrown ivy. Intrigued, I picked it up, unaware that its ticking mechanism had held the power to transport me through time.
The moment I touched the watch, the past perfect continuous tense unfolded a hidden history. The watch had belonged to my great-grandfather, an inventor and dreamer. He had spent years crafting this peculiar timepiece, experimenting with gears and cogs in the pursuit of the elusive fourth dimension.
As I clutched the watch, the past continuous tense began to weave a tale of my great-grandfather’s final days. The garden, once a vibrant sanctuary, had witnessed his tireless efforts to unlock the secrets of time travel. The distant chirping of crickets and the rustling leaves had been bearing witness to his nocturnal experiments.
Suddenly, the past perfect simple tense revealed a pivotal moment. On a stormy night, my great-grandfather had activated the watch, disappearing into the temporal abyss. The rain, falling in sheets, had masked the echoes of his departure. The garden, frozen in that moment, had become a portal to the past.
Transported to an era of bygone elegance, the past perfect continuous tense painted scenes of grand balls and horse-drawn carriages. I had found myself amid swirling ball gowns and gas-lit streets, an unwitting time traveler in a world that had existed beyond my comprehension.
As I roamed through this temporal tapestry, the past continuous tense had detailed my encounters with historical figures and the everyday lives of people from a century past. The ticking of the watch had guided me through eras, each moment a snapshot frozen in the sands of time.
Eventually, the past perfect simple tense had signaled my return. With a gentle click, the watch had brought me back to the familiar sights of my grandmother’s garden. The scent of tulips and the buzzing of bees had reassured me that I had not dreamt the extraordinary journey.
As I placed the watch back beneath the ancient oak, the past perfect simple tense had closed the chapter on my great-grandfather’s quest. The garden, a repository of memories, had borne witness to the unfolding saga of an inventor’s ambitions and the accidental time traveler who had stumbled upon them.
Can you name the verb tenses? Do you remember when to use each one? Let’s see if you’re right. Read the following explanations and examples.
Narrative Tenses:
1. Past Simple: The past simple is the workhorse of narrative tenses, narrating completed actions in the story. It provides a clear chronology of events.
Example:
- He opened the old, creaking door and stepped into the dimly lit room.
2. Past Continuous: While the past simple captures completed actions, the past continuous sets the stage, describing ongoing actions in the background.
Example:
- The rain was falling steadily as she walked along the deserted street.
3. Past Perfect: The past perfect is the storyteller’s tool for showcasing actions that occurred before the main events, establishing a sequence of events.
Example:
- The storm had already passed by the time they reached the shelter.
4. Past Perfect Continuous: For actions ongoing before another event in the past, the past perfect continuous paints a vivid picture of the narrative.
Example:
- She was out of breath; she had been running for miles.
Grammar practice
Read the passage and find all the past tense forms of the verb.
“The sun dipped below the horizon as Maria strolled along the beach. She remembered the first time she had visited this place with her family. The waves were crashing against the shore, creating a soothing melody. Little did she know that this seaside escape would become her sanctuary. At that moment, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. It was a call from her brother, who had just moved to a new city. Maria knew that life had taken a turn, and the familiar waves seemed to echo the changes she was about to face.”
Now match the verbs with their tenses. One option is the odd one out.
Now put the verbs in the correct forms according to the context.
Vocabulary practice
Get some new words. Start with the left column and match the words with their definitions. Then complete the sentences on the right.
Reading
Read the passages of a story. Put them in the right order. HINT: Think which one is the best to start with. Which is a logical end? Which paragraphs go in the body of the story?
Become an author
Interactive Activity: Your task is to craft a short story that employs various narrative techniques and incorporates different narrative tenses. Let your creativity flow as you experiment with the tools we’ve discussed.
Homework: Extend your narrative by writing a scene from the perspective of a different character. Use this opportunity to play with narrative tenses and techniques, offering a fresh angle to your story.
Conclusion: As you explore narrative techniques and narrative tenses, remember that storytelling is an ever-evolving craft. Embrace the challenge, experiment boldly, and watch your narratives come alive with newfound depth and complexity.
Resources
Stories: written by GPT
Images: Freepik.es