📖 How Stories Work: Narrative Basics
Every story is like a little adventure you can make with words. When you write, you get to be the boss of the adventure! Let’s learn the simple parts that make a story fun and clear.
1. What Is a Story?
A story tells What Happens to someone or something. It can be about a brave rabbit, a flying car, or a rainy day that turns magical. Think of a story as a picture you draw with words.
2. Characters – The People (or Animals!) in Your Story
Characters are the “who” of the tale. They can be a kid, a dinosaur, or even a talking tree. Ask yourself:
- Who is the main character?
- What do they want?
3. Setting – Where and When It Happens
The setting is the “where” and “when.” It could be a sunny park, a castle in the clouds, or the kitchen at bedtime. A clear setting helps readers picture the world you create.
4. Plot – The Beginning, Middle, and End
A story has three parts:
| Part | What Happens? |
|---|---|
| Beginning | Meet the characters and learn the setting. |
| Middle | Something exciting or a problem shows up. |
| End | The problem is solved or the adventure finishes. |
Think of the plot like a sandwich: bread, tasty filling, then bread again.
Did You Know? 🤔
The word “Narrative” comes from the Latin word narrare, which means “to tell.” Even ancient people told stories around fire pits—just like you can tell a story on paper!