A Guide to Narrative Devices (The Building Blocks of Good Stories)

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What are the narrative devices? In a very simple language,

Narrative devices are like the “special effects” of storytelling. They are tools that writers use to make their stories more interesting and engaging.

In a formal tone -

Techniques or strategies deliberately used by a writer or storyteller to shape the narrative and guide the reader’s experience.

It’s important to remember that narrative devices are not specific elements like characters or plot points, but rather the methods or tools used to manipulate those elements.

Here is a list of the most used narrative devices:

Plot Devices:

• Foreshadowing: Subtly hinting at future events or plot points, building anticipation and suspense. (e.g., a recurring symbol, a character’s premonition)
• Flashback: Briefly returning to a past event to provide context, explore character development, or create mystery.
• Flashforward: Briefly jumping to a future event to create suspense, foreshadow future consequences, or provide a glimpse of what’s to come.
• Cliffhanger: Ending a chapter or scene at a moment of high tension or suspense, leaving the reader eager to continue reading.
• MacGuffin: An object, person, or goal that drives the plot forward but has no intrinsic significance of its own. (e.g., the “Holy Grail” in Indiana Jones)
• Red herring: A misleading clue or piece of information that intentionally diverts the reader’s attention from the true solution.
• In medias res: Starting the story in the middle of the action, forcing the reader to piece together the backstory.
• Deus Ex Machina: A seemingly impossible character, device, or event introduced abruptly to resolve a conflict in an unsatisfying way. (Literally “god from the machine”)
• Chekhov’s Gun: Introduced in a story, every element should be relevant and eventually play a role in the plot. (Attributed to Russian playwright Anton Chekhov)
• Bottle Episode: An episode of a TV show or chapter of a story that takes place entirely in one location and focuses on character development rather than plot advancement.

Character Devices:

• Characterization: The process of developing and revealing a character’s personality, traits, motivations, and backstory.
• Dialogue: Conversation between characters that reveals their personalities, and relationships, and drives the plot forward.
• Internal Monologue: The character’s inner thoughts and feelings, allowing readers a direct access to their perspective.
• Foil: A character who contrasts with the protagonist, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses through comparison.
• Flat Character: A character with one or two defining traits and little to no development throughout the story.
• Round Character: A complex and developed character with multiple facets, capable of growth and change.
• Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant development and changes throughout the story.
• Static Character: A character who remains relatively unchanged throughout the story.
• Anti-Hero: A protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities, often morally ambiguous or even flawed.

Setting Devices:

• Setting: The time and place where the story unfolds, contributing to the atmosphere, mood, and character development.
• Symbolism: Using objects, actions, or characters to represent deeper meanings or ideas. (e.g., a white rose symbolizing purity)
• Utopia: An imaginary place or society that is perfect or ideal in some way. (Opposite of dystopia)
• Dystopia: An imaginary place or society that is unpleasant or frightening.

Slang Terms:

• Plot Twist: A sudden and unexpected turn of events in the story.
• Hook: The opening of a story that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading.
• Payoff: The fulfillment of a promise made earlier in the story, such as the resolution of a foreshadowed event.
• Worldbuilding: Creating the setting and rules of the world in which the story takes place.

Other Devices:

• Pacing: The speed at which the story unfolds, keeping the reader engaged and building tension.
• Point of View: The narrative perspective from which the story is told, influences how readers experience the events. (e.g., first-person, third-person even — author’s, MC’s, or Sidekick’s POV)
• Irony: A deliberate contrast between expectation and reality, creating humor, suspense, or a sense of the unexpected.

For a deeper understanding, consider exploring specific types of each device and their variations. For instance, there are various forms of foreshadowing (e.g., symbolism, prophecy, recurring motifs) and different uses of flashbacks (e.g., character development, plot twist reveal).

Remember, the world of narrative devices is vast and continuously evolving. The key is to understand their core functions and how they contribute to storytelling, allowing you to appreciate their role in crafting captivating narratives.