Planning a Narrative Story for GCSE English
Key Factors to Consider When Shaping Imaginative Fiction
Nov 6, 2009
There are a number of key areas to consider when planning a narrative story, either for coursework or in the examination. Listed below are some of the key factors a competent writer must bear. Always remember that the primary objective is to engage and entertain the reader.
Choosing a Genre or Topic
A good place to start is by considering the type of story to focus on. A brief brainstorming session will allow the aspiring writer to jot down interesting ideas while jettisoning those deemed unacceptabled. Each genre (type of story) has its own rules or conventions. For example Science-Fiction stories often feature conventions such as advanced technology, aliens, space travel and conflict between good and evil. A firm knowledge of the conventions of your chosen genre will allows a writer to proceed convincingly. However, try to concentrate on avoding cliches. If a story is packed to the brim with every conceivable genre convention it may become over-blown or feel forced.
The Twelve Point Plan
Planning is of paramount importance. All good stories have a coherent structure, which generally means they have a beginning, middle and end. Advanced writers may like to experiment with a non-linear narrative. This is where the story moves around in time, possibly beginning at the conclusion of the story before moving back in time to build up to the climax.
Try and use a Twelve Point Plan. This simple planning framework encourages you to write down twelve key sentences that detail the plot of the story. The beginning features three points. This is where you will set the scene and attempt to draw the reader into your invented world. The middle section allows you six points. This is the main body of the narrative, where much of the action, conflict and description will take place. The final three points will represent the end of your narrative. This is the section in which you will draw together the plot, resolving issues and creating a satisfying conclusion.
Most effective stories begin with a fairly normal situation. The characters then quickly become embroiled in some form of problem or situation, this is known generally as the “conflict” section of the narrative. The story generally ends with some form of resolution, where the various loose ends of the plot are tied together to form a satisfying dénouement.
Character Plans
Rather than simply free-forming ideas as you write a few moments spent considering the attributes, emotions and motivations of your characters will pay dividends. Once again the spider gram is a useful tool. Jot down a brief physical description of each of the man characters, encompassing their physical description, attitudes to life, motivation and if you have the time and inclination a brief back-story for them. A back-story will add depth to your characterisation when you begin to write. You may not chose to include all the information you though up, but it will allow you to write convincingly. As the story grows and takes shape your characters will behave consistently and realistically.
Write About What you Know or Research What You Don’t
Great writers from Charles Dickens to Stephen King write about people and places they feel comfortable with. Knowledge of a particular place will allow you to bring the setting to life. A writer who lives in London can evoke the sights, sounds and feelings of the city much more successfully than they would recreate the slums of Rio de Janeiro. However, do not feel that you cannot broaden your focus. Careful research is a tool utilised by all successful writers. If you want to set your story in deep space or on a seventeenth century battlefield then take the time to check out anything that will allow your potential readers to fully visualise your setting.
Planning Makes Perfect
Planning and preparation will allow you to begin writing your story with confidence. Your settings will sparkle, your characters behave realistically and consequently you will be giving yourself the best chance of achieving the very highest grades. With your plan lighting the way you are ready to take your reader on a trip to a new world.
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