Narrative Technique

A Narrative Technique is a literary device that shapes how a story is told and experienced (to achieve specific narrative effects).

• Context:
  • It can range from being a Basic Story Element to being a Complex Narrative Framework, depending on its structural complexity.
  • It can range from being a Traditional Storytelling Method to being an Experimental Narrative Form, based on its innovative approach.
  • It can range from being a Single Layer Narrative to being a Multi-Layer Narrative, reflecting its narrative depth.
  • ...
  • It can typically control narrative perspective through point of view.
  • It can typically manage story time through temporal manipulation.
  • It can typically develop character depth through characterization methods.
  • It can typically create narrative tension through plot devices.
  • It can typically establish story atmosphere through mood setting.
  • ...
  • It can often enhance reader engagement through narrative hooks.
  • It can often reveal story information through exposition methods.
  • It can often maintain narrative continuity through transition techniques.
  • It can often build narrative world through setting descriptions.
  • ...
  • It can have Narrative Components, such as:
    • Voice Components, such as:
      • First Person Narration for personal perspective.
      • Third Person Limited for focused observation.
      • Omniscient Narration for complete knowledge.
    • Time Components, such as:
      • Flashback for past events.
      • Flash Forward for future glimpses.
      • Nonlinear Narrative for temporal complexity.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Point of View Techniques, such as:
    • First Person, where the narrator tells their own story.
    • Second Person, which addresses the reader as "you".
    • Third Person, which observes characters from outside.
    • Multiple Viewpoints, which alternate between narrators.
  • Time Management Techniques, such as:
    • Chronological Narratives, following linear time.
    • Flashback Sequences, revealing past events.
    • Parallel Timelines, showing simultaneous actions.
  • Character Development Techniques, such as:
    • Direct Characterization, stating character traits explicitly.
    • Indirect Characterization, revealing traits through actions and dialogue.
    • Stream of Consciousness, exploring character thoughts.
  • Plot Structure Techniques, such as:
    • Frame Story, using story within story.
    • Three Act Structure, following classical plot.
    • Hero's Journey, using mythic structure.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Literary Devices, which are broader tools including non-narrative elements like metaphors and symbolism.
  • Writing Styles, which focus on language use rather than story structure.
  • Literary Genres, which categorize story types rather than telling methods.
• See: Story Structure, Plot Device, Literary Device, Narration, Point of View, Character Development, Time Management, Exposition, Frame Narrative, Stream of Consciousness.

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References

2023

• (Wikipedia, 2023) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_narrative_techniques Retrieved:2023-10-6.
  • A narrative technique (known for literary fictional narratives as a literary technique, literary device, or fictional device) is any of several specific methods the creator of a narrative uses to convey what they want —in other words, a strategy used in the making of a narrative to relay information to the audience and particularly to develop the narrative, usually in order to make it more complete, complex, or interesting. Some scholars also call this technique a narrative mode, though this term can also more narrowly refer to the particular technique of using a commentary to tell a story. Narrative techniques are distinguished from narrative elements, which exist inherently in all works of narrative.

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