Structural Composition

Narration
Narrative writing is a traditional form of creative writing and is telling a story. Which narrative
perspective do you want to convey your story in the most compelling fashion?

First:
1. The speaker is involved with the event that they are describing. For example, the
narrator may be the main character, I gathered my suitcases and walked in the hotel.
2. __EFFECT? __The reader takes on the role of the narrative speaker and they feel more
engaged in the unravelling plot.

Third:
3. The speaker is above the characters (omniscient) and can comment on their movements
and thoughts at any time. He gathered his suitcases and wondered what surprised were
ahead of him.
4. __EFFECT? __The reader is distant from the action but has a clear view of various
aspects of the developing plot.

Tense
Literary pieces are usually often set within a particular time or era. Different tenses can create
different effects and require different skills from the writer to be a successfully engaging piece.

Past:
5. Something that has already happened and cannot be altered. Troy droves speedily
around the racetrack.
6. __EFFECT? __Using this tense can be easier to manage, as you can add detailed
descriptions.
Present:
7. Something that is currently taking place in real time. This is trickier to use, as it requires
conscious crafting to relay as much relevant detail as possible. My knuckles lock on tight
to the vibrating steering wheel, as my feet command more speed from the engine.
8. __EFFECT? __Using this tense creates a faster pace and a lively tangible plot, because
the draws the reader in to experience the event like they themselves are a character.

Future:
9. Something that has not yet happened. This is much harder tense to write in for a whole
narrative.
10. _EFFECT? __Using it from time to time will make the reader consider consequences and
outcomes that may occur. _Abigail will burn herself out if she continues to exhaust
herself like this.

Chronology
The most customary practice is that stories develop in sequential order. The plot moves in an
order that would have logically taken place. Sometimes though, it is more engaging when
writers manipulate the order in which events are revealed to the reader. This method of
withholding information and controlling time can have a dramatic effect. Using a non-
chronological structure increases reader engagement, as they must mentally reorder and piece
the events together.

Flashback / Forward
Move the reader either backwards or forwards in time to a memorable event or situation.
Moving between these episodes can give the reader more insight into a character and can offer
some justifications for certain behaviours or occurrences in the present time.

Circular / Cyclical Narrative

The conclusion of the plot echoes the details or events that were presented right at the
beginning. The reader is forced to compare what has changed in the middle and whether it has
made an impression on the outcome. Employing this device creates a positive impression, as
the reader is taken on a complete journey.
Dual Narrative
I am sure you have heard the phrase, ‘There are two sides to every story.’ Sometimes using a
first-person narrative perspective can only offer a limited and biased account of the events.
Whereas, using a dual narrative is effective, as it provides the reader with two accounts about
the same event that are presented alongside each other. Then, it is left to the reader to
determine which side they prefer.

Repetition
Include motifs or patterns that are repeated throughout a text. Use them to either reflect a
genre or act as a symbol. Do not overuse motifs, as they should be aimed to emphasize key
ideas and concepts.
For example, having a crow flying low in the sky on multiple occasions. The bird acts a symbol of
death.

Alternatively, repeating a sentence or a paragraph in the text, creates a recognizable

framework.