UiTM Dungun
Creative Writing and
Narrative Techniques
– LCC 111
Introduction to Narrative Writing
Table of contents
01 02 03
What is Narrative PLOT CHARACTERS
Writing
04 05 06
SETTINGS CONFLICT THEME
What is Narrative Writing
• Narrative is a story containing
specific elements that work
together to create interest for not
only the author, but also the reader.
• This type of writing makes the
reader feel as if her or she were part
of the story, as if it was being told
directly to him or her
02
Plot
PLOT
The who, what, where, when These are all the question
why and how that gives the that you need to answer
narrative direction yourself as you build up the
story, one step at a time.
What is the story about?
Who are the characters? These shall be the frame of
Where did it happened? the narrative.
When did it happened?
Plot : Beginning
● Beginning is the start of your
narrative.
● It should be enticing to readers
● This is where your reveal the
setting
● Where you introduce the
characters
● Present the conflict
Plot: Middle
● This is where the character attempt to
resolve conflicts or problems
● Here the action should be progressing
sequentially, step by step.
Plot: Climax
● The turning point of the narrative
● Reveals the process involved for solving
the conflicts.
PLOT: End
● Tells how the resolution of the conflicts
have affected the characters
● No new characters or plot ideas should
be introduced
● Theme or message should be clear and
understood by the readers
03
Characters
Creating tension and resolution
Protagonist Antagonist
The protagonist is the main The antagonist is the character
character in a story, like the or force that opposes the
hero or the person the story is protagonist and creates
mostly about. They are the conflict in a story. They are
ones who face problems, make often seen as the "villain" or
decisions, and take actions that obstacle the hero has to
move the story along. overcome.
Characters
● Characters, real or imaginative, should
be brought to life through the narrative.
● If a characters is not described well, the
story will not be believable.
Creating complex characters
Personalities Motivations Actions
Friendly, shy and Brave Motivate to be a better Use his power
person to honor his responsibly to fight
uncle crime and bring justice
Strengths Weaknesses Backstories
Superhuman strength, His one and only family Got his power from a
can climb up building bite of a radioactive
with ease, super senses spider accident
04
Setting
A picture
always
reinforces
the concept
• Where and when the narrative
takes place.
• Allows the reader to visualize the
scenes and the characters in
those scenes
• Although the setting may be clear
for the author, he/she must create
a picture for the readers
Creating a good setting
Ground the Use sensory Link setting to
reader in Time detail mood and theme
and Space
• Clearly define when • Incorporate sights, • Ensure the setting
and where your story sounds, smells, and reflects and
takes place texture to make the enhances the story’s
• Help the reader setting immersive mood and themes.
visualize the setting • Make the scenery
come alive
05
CONFLICT
TYPE OF CONFLICT
The problem that must be overcome or resolved so
that the readers will not be left hanging
Person vs self Person vs Person
This is an internal struggle A conflict between two
where the character faces characters, often the
their own fears, doubts, or protagonist and the
emotions. It's about antagonist. This can
overcoming personal involve physical fights,
obstacles, such as guilt, verbal disputes, or moral
addiction, or indecision. confrontations. Example:
Example: A character A hero versus a villain, like
battling their own self- in Harry Potter vs.
doubt or guilt. Voldemort.
TYPE OF CONFLICT
The problem that must be overcome or resolved so
that the readers will not be left hanging
Person vs Society Person vs
Machine/Technology
This conflict arises when a
The character is in conflict
character battles
with societal norms, rules,
technology or machines,
or institutions. They might
symbolizing the impact of
challenge laws, traditions, technological
or cultural standards that
advancement. It often
they see as unjust.
involves robots, AI, or
Example: A character
technology gone wrong.
fighting against an Example: A story where
oppressive government or
humans struggle against
societal expectations.
robots, like in The Matrix.
TYPE OF CONFLICT
The problem that must be overcome or resolved so
that the readers will not be left hanging
Person vs Nature
The character struggles
against natural forces
such as storms, animals,
or disasters. This
highlights the
unpredictability and
power of the natural
world. Example: A survival
story where the
protagonist must endure
harsh environments, like
in The Revenant.
06
THEME
THEME
• A theme is a message revealed in the
story
• It may be directly stated, like in a fable
where the moral is told at the
conclusion
• It may be indirect, leaving the reader
to decide the story’s message
• There can be more than one theme for
a narrative.
