Key Concepts
● Story Elements (Plot, Character, Setting, Conflict, Resolution)
● Point of View (First-Person vs. Third-Person)
● Figurative Language & Descriptive Details
● Comparative Analysis of Narration Styles
Learning Objectives
● Understand the basic narrative structure and story elements such as plot, character,
setting, conflict, and resolution.
● Compare and contrast points of view, specifically first-person versus third-person
narration.
● Learn to identify narrative elements through examples and guided practice.
● Apply knowledge of narrative structures to analyze short texts.
In today's session, we will explore narrative structures and story elements, with a special focus
on comparing first-person and third-person points of view. This lesson will help you understand
how authors choose a perspective that best fits the story and how that affects the way events
are narrated.
● Session Purpose and Scope:
○ Define key story elements such as plot, character, setting, conflict, and resolution.
○ Explain the concepts of first-person and third-person narrative perspectives.
○ Compare the strengths and challenges of each point of view.
● Overview of Key Topics:
○ The building blocks of a narrative.
○ An explanation of narrative points of view.
○ How the author's choice can shape a story.
Warm Up Questions:
"Think about your favorite story. Who is telling the story the character involved or an
outside narrator? What difference does that make?"
Narrative Structures & Points of View
We begin by defining the basic elements of a story.
1. Understanding Narrative Structure & Story Elements
● Plot:
○ The sequence of events that make up the story beginning, middle, and end.
○ Example: In a story of a lost puppy, the plot might include the puppy getting lost, its
adventures while trying to return home, and finally being reunited with its family.
● Characters:
○ The people or animals in the story.
○ Examples: The protagonist who faces challenges and an antagonist who opposes
the protagonist.
● Setting:
○ The time and place where the story occurs.
○ Example: A busy city, a magical forest, or a quaint small town.
● Conflict:
○ The problem or challenge faced by the characters.
○ Example: A disagreement between friends, a challenge to find a lost treasure, or
internal struggles of a character.
● Resolution:
○ The end of the story where the conflict is resolved.
○ Example: The reunion with family after overcoming a series of challenges.
2. Points of View First-Person vs. Third-Person Narration
● First-Person Narration:
○ Definition: The narrator is a character in the story, using "I" or "we" to tell the
narrative.
○ Example Passage: "I woke up early, excited about the adventure that lay ahead.
Every step I took felt like a promise of a new discovery."
○ Key Features:
■ Personal, intimate tone.
■ Lends authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.
■ Limitation: The narrator only knows his/her own thoughts and feelings.
● Third-Person Narration:
○ Definition: The narrator is outside the story and uses "he," "she," or "they" to
describe characters and events.
○ Example Passage: "Sarah walked through the busy market, her eyes darting from
stall to stall. Behind her, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air."
○ Key Features:
■ Can provide an overview of multiple characters.
■ More objective and broad narrative perspective.
■ Limitation: May lack the intimate insight of a first-person account.
3. Comparing and Contrasting the Two Points of View
● Comparison:
○ Both points of view tell the story and share important narrative details.
○ Each uses descriptive language and figurative expressions (similes, metaphors) to
enhance the narrative.
● Contrast:
○ Perspective: First-person is limited to the narrators personal experiences, while
third-person can provide multiple viewpoints.
○ Voice: First-person creates a personal tone whereas third-person tends to be more
formal and objective.
4. Detailed Worked Examples
● Example A First-Person Narrative:
"I could hardly contain my excitement as I stepped onto the old wooden bridge. Every creak underfoot told me this place held countless secrets."
■ What words indicate that the narrator is part of the story?
■ How does using "I" make the scene feel more personal?
■ How does the use of first-person narration give insight into the narrators emotions?
● Example B Third-Person Narrative:
"Michael walked slowly along the cobblestone lane, his eyes wide at the wonders that awaited him. The gentle whisper of the wind set the scene for an unforgettable adventure."
■ How do we know that the narrator is not a character in the story?
■ What effect does the third-person perspective have on our understanding of Michaels experience?
● Example C Identifying the Point of View:
1. "We celebrated our victory with laughter and tears."
Is in first-person or third-person?
*Remember that the use of "we" shows the narrator is part of the group, making it first-person plural.
Student Practice Problems
Problem 1: In the sentence "I skipped happily to school," what point of view is being used?
● A. First-Person
● B. Third-Person Limited
● C. Third-Person Omniscient
● D. Second-Person
● Answer: A. First-Person
● Explanation: The use of the pronoun "I" indicates that the narrator is speaking from a first-person perspective.
Problem 2: "Sarah enjoyed every moment as she explored the mysterious forest." Which narrative perspective is used here?
● A. First-Person
● B. Third-Person
● C. Second-Person
● D. First-Person Plural
● Answer: B. Third-Person
● Explanation: The sentence uses "she" to describe Sarah, showing that an external narrator is telling the story.
Problem 3: Which of the following best describes a narrator who uses "we" to tell the story?
● A. First-Person Singular
● B. First-Person Plural
● C. Third-Person Omniscient
● D. Second-Person
● Answer: B. First-Person Plural
● Explanation: The use of "we" indicates that the narrator is including themselves as part
of a group, which is first-person plural narration.
Problem 4: Identify the narrative element in a story that refers to where and when the story takes place.
● A. Plot
● B. Setting
● C. Conflict
● D. Resolution
● Answer: B. Setting
● Explanation: Setting describes the time and place where the narrative occurs.
Problem 5: In comparing first-person and third-person narratives, which of the following is a limitation of first-person narration?
● A. It cannot show a character's internal thoughts.
● B. It can only describe one characters perspective.
● C. It is less personal than third-person narration.
● D. It is less clear in describing the setting.
● Answer: B. It can only describe one characters perspective.
● Explanation: First-person narration gives insight only into the narrator's own thoughts and feelings, limiting the perspective.
Problem 6: Which of the following best defines "plot" in a narrative?
● A. The main characters background
● B. A series of events in the story
● C. The setting of the story
● D. The dialogue between characters
● Answer: B. A series of events in the story
● Explanation: The plot is the sequence of events that form the story.
Problem 7: "He walked slowly, noticing every little detail." Which point of view is most likely used here?
● A. First-Person
● B. Third-Person Limited
● C. Third-Person Omniscient
● D. Second-Person
● Answer: B. Third-Person Limited
● Explanation: The sentence focuses on one character using "he," suggesting a limited view rather than a full omniscient perspective.
Problem 8: Which narrative element involves the struggle between opposing forces in a story?
● A. Conflict
● B. Setting
● C. Resolution
● D. Theme
● Answer: A. Conflict
● Explanation: Conflict refers to the struggle or challenge that drives the plot and involves
opposing forces.
Problem 9: In a narrative, using descriptive language and figurative expressions is important
because it:
● A. Makes the text shorter
● B. Provides clarity and evokes emotions
● C. Limits the readers interpretation
● D. Replaces the need for dialogue
● Answer: B. Provides clarity and evokes emotions
● Explanation: Figurative language and detailed descriptions help readers visualize the scene and feel connected to the narrative.
Problem 10: A story told "from the outside looking in" without using any "I" statements is an example of which point of view?
● A. First-Person
● B. Second-Person
● C. Third-Person
● D. First-Person Plural
● Answer: C. Third-Person
● Explanation: When the narrator describes the action and characters without including themselves (no "I" statements), it is written in third-person.
Exit Ticket & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Key Takeaways:
● Narrative structure includes plot, character, setting, conflict, and resolution.
● First-person narration uses "I" or "we" and is personal; third-person narration uses "he,"
"she," or "they" and provides an external viewpoint.
● Comparing points of view helps us understand how a story is told and how it influences
the readers experience.
Exit Ticket Questions:
1. Write one sentence describing an event in your day using first-person narration.
2. Then, rewrite that sentence using third-person narration.
3. Explain in one or two sentences how the change in point of view affects the way the narrative is presented.
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