A novel is a prose narrative piece of writing which can be long enough to be printed as an entire book. The novel is usually divided into smaller portions, called chapters. A short story, in contrast, is a piece of writing (anywhere from a few paragraphs to several pages in length) which is short enough to be read in one sitting, and is usually published in a magazine or anthology. Novels and short stories share some common narrative elements. Listed below are the six basic elements of a narrative.
Basic Narrative Elements
Here is an in-depth look at each narrative element.
Setting. The setting refers to the background in which the story takes place. There are several components necessary to create a setting:
- Place. This usually refers to the geographical location of the story. The story may move from one place to another. For example, a story may begin in a particular city in England. By the middle of the story, the character(s) may find themselves in other locations within England.
- Time. First, this refers to the period of history, if the story is set in the past. If the story could happen now or at some recent unspecified time, we say that it is "contemporary." If it is a science fiction story, it may be set in the future. Time also refers to the season, month, and even time of day.
- Climate/Weather. This is an aspect of setting which can be important to the novel. If the story begins in the midst of a hurricane, it is significant to the story.
Atmosphere. This is the mood or feeling of the story, the emotional quality that the story gives to the reader. The setting of the story is usually responsible for creating the mood or feeling of the story. You might say that a novel opens with a mysterious atmosphere, a gloomy atmosphere. Like the setting, the mood may change throughout the novel.
Plot. The plot is a synopsis of the storyline in chronological order. The plot usually arises out of the conflict in the story, which eventually builds to a climatic moment. The basic plot is comprised of the following:
- Introduction. Refers to the beginning of the story where the characters and setting are presented.
- Problem/Conflict. This is where the events in the story become complicated and the problem in the story is revealed.
- Climax. This is the turning point in the story in which the reader wonders what will happen next (i.e., will the problem get solved or not?)
- Solution/Conclusion – This is the point in the story in which the problem is solved
Conflict This is referred to as the struggle between opposing forces in the story. The main purpose of conflict is to provide interest and suspense. There are various types of conflict, which can usually be categorized as one of the following:
- a character struggling against nature
- a struggle between two or more characters
- a struggle between the main character and some aspect of society
- a struggle of opposing forces within one character (e.g. self-doubt)
Characters. Refers to people, animal, robots, etc., who play parts in the action of the story.
- The protagonist is the main character throughout the novel. A novel can have more than one protagonist (e.g. two or even three main characters).
- The force with which the protagonist is in conflict is called the antagonist.
- The force can be a person or persons, society or an internal struggle within the main character.
Theme. Theme refers to the central idea in the story or novel. It can usually be expressed in a short statement about human nature, life issues, or the universe.
Quick Checklist of Narrative Elements
The major elements of a narrative are as follows:
- Setting is the "where" and 'when" of the story or novel.
- Characters are the "who."
- Conflict is the "what." (What is the problem?)
- Plot is the "how." (How is the conflict developed and resolved (also known as the resolution)?)
- Theme is the "why." (The author's message and one of the reasons why the author wrote the story or novel.)
A story that qualifies as a narrative should have the following elements: A setting, characters, atmosphere, a plot, conflict (and eventual resolution), and a theme. Once the basic elements of a narrative are understood, students should also be encouraged to discuss other aspects of a narrative, also referred to as literary devices.
