Basic Writing Modes 8

NARRATIVE

THINKING STEPS

1.    Choose a personal characteristic from the list below that you can  
       show through a story from your experience.  (If you wish to use a
       different characteristic, its O.K.) 

2.    Choose a main character (this may be you or anyone else you have seen doing   
 what you are telling us about).  This main actor in your story is the tool you use to
 illustrate the characteristics you have selected. 

3.    Choose a main scene, the high point (climax) of your story, to describe in great 
 detail.  The main scene should fit the following qualifications:

A.  It takes place in one location that is no larger than what an observer can see without moving.  (For example, your living room.)

B.  It takes place within one hour or less.

C.  The main character performs most of the action.  (If you are the key actor, be sure to tell us how you felt as well as what you did.  If you are the observer only, try to bring us into the action by showing the feelings as well as the actions of  the main character.  Also, tell us how you felt looking on.)

 WRITING STEPS

 4.    Begin by writing an OPENING PARAGRAPH that:

A.  Catches the reader’s attention.

B.  Tells us what the characteristic is that your main character will illustrate.

 5.    Write a paragraph (or two) that tells us what we need to know about your hero’s
        previous behavior and character.

 6.  Now show us the BIG SCENE - people, feelings, actions,- in bold, clear detail.  Here is where the hero (or heavy) proves your point.  Tell it as you saw it, and put the reader there.