Narrative Structure and Conclusions

Narrative Structure

• Narrative structure consists of:
  • Problem
  • Action
  • Character
  • Setting
  • Resolution
  • Conclusion

Narrative Planner - Resolution

• Resolution Development:
  • Refer to Lesson 14 for resolution development.
  • Share your resolution with a peer.
  • Consider the emotions and dialogue of the characters, and the setting.
  • Reflect on any unsuccessful attempts to resolve the problem.

Narrative Features - Conclusion

• Conclusions:
  • Explain the main character's learning or transformation.
  • Realistically bring the story to a satisfying climax.
  • Capture the main character's final thoughts and emotions.
  • Highlight significant moral growth in the main character.
• Conclusions must:
  • Wrap up the story in a satisfying way.
  • Communicate the characters' feelings to the reader.

Conclusion Strategies

• Conclusions often:
  • Solve the problem definitively.
  • Impart a strong moral lesson to the reader.
  • Bring the story full circle.

Conclusion Examples: Yuki's Story

• Example:
  • Yuki's parents signed paperwork, placing him in a cat carrier in their car.
  • Yuki bid 'Goodbye,' hoping other cats find loving homes.
  • He anticipates a new journey with his new family.
• This conclusion:
  • Fixes a problem
  • Teaches a lesson
  • Brings the story full circle

Conclusion Examples: Albert's Story

• Albert’s father realized his treatment of Albert was unjust and began treating him with kindness and respect.
• This conclusion:
  • Fixes a problem
  • Teaches a lesson

Conclusion Techniques

• Conclusions can:
  1. End with a prediction.
  2. End with dialogue.
  3. End with a reflection.
  4. End with action.
• Examples:
  • Prediction: Ellen suspected it was the start of something wonderful.
  • Dialogue: Tom says, 'Come on you old thing, time to hit the road' to Jude.
  • Reflection: Maya realized self-reliance is key.
  • Action: The roller door shuts on the two friends.

Conclusion Brainstorming

• Concluding Sentences:
  • Prediction: 'At the end of the war, when all was said and done, Joey and Albert were heading home…'
  • Dialogue: 'Well old friend, our new life awaits,' Albert said wryly.
  • Reflection: They both knew that they had changed in more ways than one.
  • Action: The gangplank drew back noisily with a shudder.

Conclusion Examples: Joey's Story

• Joey turned to see his old life leaving him behind, the years of war flashed through his mind like a movie reel. His new life was on the horizon.
  • This conclusion ends with:
    • a prediction
    • a reflection

Conclusion Examples: Albert's Story

• Albert jumped aboard the ship with Joey. He may not have known exactly where his life was heading, but he had a feeling that the worst was behind him.
  • This conclusion ends with:
    • a prediction

Mental Verbs

• Definition: Verbs describing mental activities.
• Examples:
  • Joey envisioned a bright future.
  • Albert hesitated.
  • Captain Nicholls doubted the truth.

Mental Verbs - Examples

• Examples:
  • They only just realised what was really happening.
  • Captain Nicholls perceived a threat coming from the north.
  • They ducked down low, anticipating another shelling.

Identifying Mental Verbs

• Question: Which of the words below is a mental verb?
  • (b) contemplated

Adjectives of Feeling

• Definition: Adjectives modifying nouns or pronouns to describe feelings.
• Example: As the journey continued, Joey was feeling more and more agitated.
• Examples of adjectives that describe feelings:
  • exhausted
  • agitated
  • dissatisfied
  • apathetic

Impactful Sentences with Adjectives of Feeling

• Sentences:
  • Though he treated me kindly, Friedrich liked Topthorn more.
  • Though he treated me kindly, Friedrich took a particular liking to Topthorn.
  • Though he treated me kindly, Friedrich took a particular liking to Topthorn. He admired and respected him as a beast and a friend.

Creating Sentences

• Combine mental verbs and adjectives of feeling.
• Words provided:
  • Mental verbs: dreamed, wondered, envisioned
  • Adjectives of feeling: fierce, determined, exuberant

Identifying Adjectives of Feeling in Sentences

• Examples (from War Horse):
  • 'Exhausted…we were led into our stable by Emilie’s grandfather.'
    *Highlights an adjective of feeling
  • 'Emilie was a tiny, frail creature but led us about the farm with complete confidence.'
    *No adjective of feeling
  • 'But Topthorn never felt any jealousy towards me.'
    *Highlights an adjective of feeling
  • 'He looked at us through heavily wrinkled eyes and wiped the tears from his face.'
    *No adjective of feeling

Narrative Planner - Conclusion: Yuki's Story

• Conclusion Elements:
  • Yuki felt disappointed.
  • He approached a lonely girl, cheering her up.
  • The girl's parents adopted him.
  • He left his old life behind.
  • Yuki drove away to start his new life.

Yuki's Adoption

• The girl picked him up, ran to her parents, and asked to adopt him.
• Yuki purred contentedly, indicating they were a perfect match.
• Her parents signed the paperwork.

Yuki's Departure

• 'Goodbye.' Yuki whispered, hoping other cats find loving families too.
• Excitement bubbled as the car drove away, leaving his old life behind.
• He anticipates his new journey with his new family.

Character Response in Conclusion

• Consider:
  • How the main character feels (emotion).
  • What the main character says (dialogue).

Concluding Paragraph: Yuki's Story

• Paragraph:
  • Her parents happily signed the paperwork and before long, Yuki was placed in a cat carrier in their family car. “Goodbye.” Yuki whispered, wishing for the other cats to be adopted by kind, loving families too. He was embarking on a new journey now and he could not wait to see what the future had in store for him and his new family.
  • Yuki's feelings: happy and content, excited about the future.
  • He said goodbye to his old life.

Yuki's Dialogue

• Paragraph:
  • Her parents happily signed the paperwork and before long, Yuki was placed in a cat carrier in their family car. “Goodbye.” Yuki whispered, wishing for the other cats to be adopted by kind, loving families too. He was embarking on a new journey now and he could not wait to see what the future had in store for him and his new family.
  • What did Yuki say? "Goodbye."

Considerations for Conclusion

• Think about how the main character is feeling.
• Think about what the main character might be saying.

Conclusion Checklist

• Use the checklist below to revise your conclusion
  • [ ] Story reaches its climax
  • [ ] Main character has learnt a lesson
  • [ ] Significant changes have taken place
  • [ ] Mental verbs
  • [ ] Adjectives of feeling