• To be able make informed choices in narrative writing.
• To understand the purpose of narrative writing.
• To plan and a write a piece of narrative writing using a clear structure.

Purpose

Narrative writing is about story-telling.

Narrative writing is intended to entertain the reader.

It can also teach the reader a moral or lesson. 

Structure:

Structure is very important in narrative writing. There are many ways to structure a narrative, but there are several key points that can help guide us.

We are going to look at using ODCCR to structure our narrative.

Section                   Purpose

Opening                   Introduce the characters and setting.

Development         Reveal more information about the above.

Complication         Introduce a potential problem.

Crisis                       The reader is on the edge of their seat as the problem                                      worsens.

Resolution             The problem is resolved and the narrative ends.

The Crisis:

In almost every story you read, there will be a crisis or problem.

Think of five stories that you have read (or films you have seen) and identify what the problem was. Discuss these with your partner.

Can you identify any other common themes in terms of structure?

Pause for Thought

Why do you think stories need a crisis?
What would happen if everything just went well?

Opening:

The main purpose of your opening is to ‘hook’ the readers’ interest and make them want to read on.

There are many ways to do this, but you may try:

Action: Get straight to the point; begin your narrative in the heat of battle.

‘Charging at the colossal door, he used all his strength to force it open.’

Dialogue: Slightly less dramatic than full-blown action, but still gets into the story quickly.

‘“I don’t know how that happened!” complained James.’

Character: Immediately give the readers someone to connect with.

‘Curls of golden hair fell across her face, catching the light from the glistening moon.’

Setting: Immediately give the readers somewhere to imagine.

‘Stale smoke lingered in the air. Rotting wood littered the floor.’

Opening:

If your opening raises questions, it will keep the reader interested.

Action: Get straight to the point; begin your narrative in the heat of battle.

‘Charging at the colossal door, he used all his strength to force it open.’

What’s behind the door? Is he running away from something? Does he want to get in or out?

Dialogue: Slightly less dramatic than full-blown action, but still gets into the story quickly.

‘“I don’t know how that happened!” complained James.’

What has happened? Who is James?

Your Turn!

Your title is:

An Abandoned Place

• Use the images on the next slide for inspiration.
• Use your ODCCR planning sheet to help you structure your ideas.
• Remember to ‘hook’ your readers into your narrative.
  

Top Tip:
Try to use a variety of techniques in your writing.

Plenary;

Focus on the opening of your partner’s work.

• Does it ‘hook’ your interest?
• Have they used a variety of techniques?
• Is the structure easy to follow?