Narrative Structure: Problem & Resolution

Narrative Structure

• Narrative has a beginning, middle, and end.

Problem Paragraph

• Purpose: To create the highest point of tension and bring the story to a climax.
• Structure includes:
  • Explanation of the problem (event, conflict, or challenge).
  • Building and resolving tension.
• Often has three parts:
  • Setting the scene for the problem.
  • Building events that lead to the main problem.
  • Exploring the main problem or issue and setting the characters on a path to fix it.

Planning a Problem Paragraph

• Steps:
  • Think of the problem.
  • Think of the problem’s setting.
  • Think of the events that lead up to the problem.

Language Features of Problem Paragraphs

• Conjunctions.
• Action verbs.
• Adverbials (when, where, how, why).

Resolution Paragraph

• Purpose: Describes actions the characters take to solve the problem.
• Structure:
  • Character response to the problem (dialogue/emotion).
  • Plan to solve the problem.
  • Series of actions or attempts the character makes to solve the problem.

Structure of a Resolution Paragraph

• First sentence(s):
  • Set the place and time.
  • Explain the characters’ response to the problem and their plans.
• Next section:
  • Give details about how the characters resolved the problem; this may include failed attempts.
• Final sentence(s):
  • Explain the outcome of their actions.
  • How do the characters feel?
  • What happened to the characters?

Language Features of Resolution Paragraphs

• Adverbials (when, where, how, why).
• Adjectives (describing words).
• Conjunctions (words used to join clauses).
• Verbs (thinking, feelings, saying, actions).
• Character dialogue.

Planning the Resolution Paragraph

• Characters’ response to the problem.
• Characters’ actions to resolve, including failures.
• Characters words and feelings when resolved.