Unit 7 Lesson 3: Beginning a Narrative Flashcards
1.
hook
an event or situation used to capture the reader’s attention
suspense
the excitement or tension readers feel about knowing the outcome of a story
technique
a method or device writers use to create an effect
There are many ways to begin a narrative, but all engaging narratives have one thing in common:
a hook
what is the purpose of a hook
The purpose of the hook is to capture the reader’s attention and draw the reader into the story. It’s often the reader’s curiosity about what happens next in a story that compels them to keep reading.
Techniques to Engage Readers
- Make an interesting observation.
- Introduce a situation.
- Set a problem for the main character.
What might happen with this technique: Set a problem for the main character. I
Imagine a story in which a character comes home to find that his gate is open and his dog has escaped. The reader wonders where the dog went and if the dog will be found and keeps reading to learn how the problem will be solved.
What might happen with this technique: Introduce a situation.
This technique engages the reader by revealing a particular event or circumstance. For example, a writer might begin a narrative by describing a family reunion in which relatives who have been estranged for many years are coming together. This interesting situation creates tension. The reader keeps reading to see how the relationships among the relatives develop.
What might happen with this technique: Make an interesting observation
This technique was used in the narrative about Julio. The reader is curious to learn why Julio is frantically gathering emergency supplies.
description
words used to give more details about a character, setting, or plot
dialogue
words spoken between characters
imagery
descriptive words that create pictures in a reader’s mind
1.
limited
narration focused on a particular character
metaphor
a comparison between two unlike things, without using the words like or as
narrative techniques
methods and devices writers use to create an effect
omniscient
narration that is all-seeing; knowing everything
narrator
he voice or character telling a story
point of view
the narrator’s connection to the story being told
simile
a comparison between two unlike things, using the words like or as
Writers can capture readers’ interest right away by using particular narrative techniques that make characters and stories interesting, exciting, or unique. Narrative techniques include the following:
point of view
* first-person point of view in which the narrator talks directly to the reader
* second-person point of view, a rare point of view in which the narration makes readers part of the story
* third-person point of view in which the narrator can be omniscient or limited
- dialogue in which characters’ words reveal details about their personalities and values
- description which can include vivid imagery and figurative language, such as a simile or metaphor.
How do authors use imagery
Writers often use descriptive language to create an immediate impression of a character or narrator at the beginning of a story. The specific words the writer uses can help readers create a picture in their minds of what a character or narrator might be like. This rich language, called imagery, can help bring characters to life.
How are similes used
Writers can also introduce characters by using other types of description, such as a simile. When writers compare a character to something else, using the words like or as, it helps the reader imagine how a character looks or behaves.
How are metaphors used
A metaphor can be another effective way for writers to introduce a character or narrator. Like a simile, a metaphor is a comparison between two things. Unlike a simile, a metaphor does not use the words like or as in the comparison.
first-person point of view
narration told through one person’s perspective using the first-person pronouns I or we
limited point of view
narration focused on a particular character
omniscient point of view
narration that is all-seeing; knowing everything
second-person point of view
narration that uses the pronoun you
