Narrative Writing — Telling a Story
<h3>Elements of a Good Story</h3>
<table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tr style="background:#f0f9f4"><th style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Element</th><th style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Explanation</th></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd"><strong>Character</strong></td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Show, don't tell — reveal personality through action and dialogue</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd"><strong>Setting</strong></td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Establish place and atmosphere early; use setting to reflect mood</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd"><strong>Conflict</strong></td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Every story needs a problem or tension to drive it forward</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd"><strong>Turning point</strong></td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">A moment of change — often the climax of the story</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd"><strong>Resolution</strong></td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">How the conflict is resolved (or left unresolved for effect)</td></tr>
</table>
<h3>Show Don't Tell</h3>
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<tr style="background:#f0f9f4"><th style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Telling</th><th style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">Showing</th></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">"She was nervous."</td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">"Her hands wouldn't stop trembling. She checked the clock for the fourth time in a minute."</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">"He was angry."</td><td style="padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd">"The door shook on its hinges as he left. The silence he left behind was worse than the shouting."</td></tr>
</table>
<h3>Openings that Hook the Reader</h3>
<ul>
<li>In medias res — start mid-action</li>
<li>A striking image or unusual detail</li>
<li>A dialogue line that creates intrigue</li>
</ul>