Narrative Lessons
Lesson 1 - Setting and Mood
Setting can . . . serve as a backdrop
be symbolic
provide information
about characters
can help or hinder characters
in achieving their goals
create physical hardships or
challenges
Setting and Mood
• The setting of a story affects how we and
the characters feel about their
surroundings.
• Setting can make things seem pleasant
OR create an air of foreboding.
THIS IS CALLED MOOD
Setting and Mood
Page # Setting Description Function(s) in the
Story
• As notice
the
p. 1
setting,
try to
figure out p. 41
what the
writer is
trying to
convey.
Planes are never
allowed to fly over
the community.
Creates an air of
mystery. Also helps to
demonstrate the limits
within the society.
Include at least 5 examples. What’s the
overall mood of the story?
Lesson 2 - Characterization
• Character: Someone/something whose actions,
choices, thoughts, ideas, words, and influence
are important in developing the plot.
• Protagonist: A single character (or small group
of characters) whose goal or problem is the core
of the plot.
*If they’re good, they’re often referred to as the
“hero” of the story.
• Antagonist: Character, group or force that
opposes the protagonist.
*May be referred to as a villain.
Characterization – the name for the technique a writer uses to
reveal the personality of characters. It is achieved in a
number of ways.
Words: comments,
dialogue, what is
said, how it is said
Thoughts: what’s
going on in the
character’s mind;
motives & choices
Appearance:
physical
characteristics and
clothing
Actions: what the
character does
Interactions: how the
character relates to
others
Names: often
symbolic of a major
character trait or role
Chosen Setting: the
items, furnishings,
etc. that the
character chooses to
surround
himself/herself
Change/Development
the occurrence of and
direction of change or
development that a
character undergoes
inwardly
What techniques
does the author
rely on for
characterization?
Any not used?
Why?
Characterization Continuum
Self-controlled -------------------------- Overwhelmed
Write paragraph about how The Giver changes over time
Gullible --------------------------------------------Insightful
Jonas and the community
Honest ------------------------------------------- Deceptive
Jonas
Follower/Dependent ------------ Leader/Independent
The Giver, Jonas, Father
Write a paragraph explaining the character change
throughout the story along the continuum.
Lesson 3 - Conflict
• Core of the story’s plot
• Makes us wonder if the protagonist will
attain his/her goal
• Adds suspense and excitement
ONE OVERARCHING CONFLICT usually
takes up most of the book. Each
scene/chapter may have its own smaller
conflict.
Conflict
• Internal: Conflicting desires, value,
personality traits or motives. Takes place
within the character’s mind and heart.
• External: May be with another individual,
with a task or problem, with society, with
nature, with an idea, or with a force such
as good or evil.
Conflict
1. Explain the type of
conflict involved in
this story, for
example, man vs.
man, man vs. self,
man vs. nature.
Write a 7 – 10
sentence paragraph
with one quote
explaining the type
of conflict involved
and the significance
to the story.
2. Make and fill out a chart
showing the conflict for
every chapter.
Chapter #
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
Conflict
Lesson 4 – Plot: The Design of the Story
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Plot: sequence of actions
Exposition (introduction of essential background
information, as well as characters, situations, and
conflicts. May be found throughout the story as well
as the beginning.
Complication or Rising Action (beginning of the
central conflict in the story
Crisis/Turning Point/Climax (main character’s action
or choice determines the outcome of the conflict)
Falling Action (time when the ending becomes
inevitable)
Resolution or Denouement (when conflicts are
resolved and story is concluded)
Plot – The Design of the Story
PLOT STRUCTURE
As you read The Giver, pause at the end of each
chapter, and identify where it fits in the plot
structure.
MAJOR EVENTS
List 7 – 10 important events in chronological
order with one sentence explanation for each
event describing how it connects to the conflict.
Lesson 5 - Theme
• Generalization about life or human
behavior or values; the author’s insight
into the way things are that s/he wants to
share with readers
• Shaped by the author’s intention and
purpose
• In stories with complex issues, while you
may find multiple themes, look for a single,
over-arching theme.
Theme
1. Theme Chart
2. Explain theme from story. Write a 7 – 10
sentence paragraph with one quote
explaining the theme of the story
Lesson 6 - Dystopia
UTOPIA: “No place” in Greek. Title of book
in 1516 by Sir Thomas Moore showing a
perfect society on an imaginary island.
DYSTOPIA: “Bad or impaired place” in
Greek. Dystopias show dehumanized
rather than ideal societies.
BOTH: Focus on contemporary problems.
Can be a critique of present society by
bringing attention to evils or ills of society.
May be a call to social action.
Dystopia
1. Explain why this is a dystopian society.
Describe the intention of the society and
its structure. (7 – 10 sentences with one
quote to support)
2. Is this story a critique of our society? A
call to social action? If so, what evils or ills
of contemporary society do you think are
being addressed? If not, what is the
author’s purpose? (7 – 10 sentences with
one quote to support
Lesson 7: Book Evaluation
• Identify the work by including title, author,
genre.
• Briefly summarize the plot (include names
of main characters, the basic plot conflict,
the setting, and the background of the
situation).
• State your assessment of the work
Book Evaluation
Responding positively:
• The plot is suspenseful and interesting
• The theme resonates with what you believe
• You like or admire one or more of the characters
• The vivid description catches your interest
• The book is amusing and enjoyable
• You learn something valuable
• You are so absorbed that you can’t wait to read more
• You find insights or understandings that enrich your life
Use quotes from text to support your evaluation
Book Evaluation
Responding negatively:
• Dialogue is unbelievable
• Characterization is weak
• Characters’ motivations are not believable
• Plot is convoluted or unbelievable
• Attitudes expressed seem inappropriate to you
• Genre doesn’t appeal to you
Use quotes from text to support your evaluation