Introduction
A narrative device is a literary technique used to create a story or template for a story. It is a tool used by authors to develop a story and engage the reader. This article will discuss the different types of narrative devices and provide examples to illustrate each one.
What is a Narrative Device?
A narrative device is a tool used by authors to craft and structure a story. It allows authors to develop their story and create a meaningful experience for the reader. It can be used to create suspense, surprise, and anticipation. It can also be used to create a sense of familiarity or to evoke emotion in a reader.
Types of Narrative Devices
There are many different types of narrative devices that can be used to craft a story. Some of the most common types of narrative devices include:
- Plot
- Character Development
- Setting
- Theme
- Conflict
- Symbols
- Figurative Language
- Point of View
- Foreshadowing
- Flashback
Plot
The plot is the core of a narrative. It is the sequence of events that form the story. It is the structure that is used to organize the events of the story and drive them forward. It is the main narrative device used by authors to create a story.
Example
In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, the plot follows Holden Caulfield as he travels around New York City after being expelled from school. He eventually finds himself in a mental hospital and reflects upon his experiences.
Character Development
Character development is another key narrative device used to create a story. It is used to create characters that have depth and complexity. Through character development, the author can create characters that readers can relate to and become invested in their journey.
Example
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the character of Atticus Finch is developed throughout the story. He is a moral and upright man who stands up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. This character development creates a strong connection between Atticus and the reader.
Setting
The setting of a story is the environment in which the story takes place. It is an important narrative device because it can influence the events of the story. Through setting, the author can create a world that is believable and engaging for the reader.
Example
In the novel The Great Gatsby, the setting is a wealthy and glamorous world filled with excess and opulence. This setting creates a vivid backdrop for the story and helps to create a sense of mystery and anticipation.
Theme
The theme of a story is the underlying message or moral. It is an important narrative device because it can give the story a deeper meaning and illuminate the characters’ motivations.
Example
In the novel The Grapes of Wrath, the theme is the importance of family and the struggle to survive during hard times. This theme is explored throughout the novel and gives the story a deeper meaning.
Conflict
Conflict is an important narrative device because it creates tension and suspense in a story. It can also be used to create characters who are facing difficult choices and to create a sense of urgency.
Example
In the novel The Hunger Games, the conflict is the struggle between the Capitol and the districts. This conflict creates a sense of urgency and tension throughout the story and drives the characters’ actions.
Symbols
Symbols are objects or images that are used to represent ideas or concepts. They are an important narrative device because they can be used to create a deeper meaning or to evoke emotion in a reader.
Example
In the novel The Lord of the Rings, the symbol of the ring is used to represent power and temptation. This symbol creates a sense of dread and unease and helps to create a richer story.
Figurative Language
Figurative language is a type of language that is used to create vivid images or impressions in the reader’s mind. It is an important narrative device because it can be used to create vivid descriptions or to evoke emotion.
Example
In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield uses figurative language to describe his feelings of loneliness and alienation. This figurative language creates a vivid image of Holden’s inner turmoil and helps to create a connection between him and the reader.
Point of View
Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. It is an important narrative device because it can be used to create suspense or surprise and to create a sense of familiarity or intimacy with the reader.
Example
In the novel The Great Gatsby, the story is told from the point of view of Nick Carraway. This point of view creates a sense of familiarity and connection between the reader and the story.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a narrative device used to create anticipation and suspense in a story. It can be used to hint at future events or to hint at the outcome of the story.
Example
In the novel The Hunger Games, there are numerous hints and clues that are used to foreshadow the outcome of the story. These clues create a sense of suspense and anticipation in the reader.
Flashback
A flashback is a narrative device used to provide backstory or context to the events of a story. It can be used to provide insight into a character’s motivations or to explain an event.
Example
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there are numerous flashbacks that are used to provide context to the story. These flashbacks provide insight into the characters’ motivations and help to explain the events of the story.
Conclusion
A narrative device is a tool used by authors to create a story. There are many different types of narrative devices that can be used to structure a story and create a meaningful experience for the reader. Through the use of narrative devices, authors can create suspense, surprise, and anticipation in the reader. Examples of narrative devices include plot, character development, setting, theme, conflict, symbols, figurative language, point of view, foreshadowing, and flashbacks. Writing a story can be an incredibly daunting task for any writer. It’s not just about writing an engaging plot—you must also use various elements of style to create a complete narrative. One such element of style is the narrative device. This article will answer the question: “What is a narrative device?” as well as provide nine examples of narrative devices and how they work in storytelling.
The primary purpose of a narrative device is to enable the writer to tell a story and create an engaging plot. A narrative device is something the author uses to effectively tell the story they wish to tell. Depending on the purpose of the narrative and the story it is telling, these narrative devices may vary widely.
Types of Narrative Devices
1. Point of View – Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. This could include first person (using “I” or “we”), third person limited (using “he/she/they” to tell the story from one character’s perspective), third person omniscient (using “he/she/they” to provide an all-knowing perspective on the plot and characters), and second person (using “you” to involve the reader directly in the story).
2. Flashback – Flashback involves the use of past events, often to provide context to a present plotline. This is an effective narrative device to add an extra layer of characterization and plot, often introducing unforeseen plot twists.
3. Foreshadowing– Foreshadowing is used to provide hints to the reader of an upcoming event in the plot. This can serve both to build suspense and deepen characterization.
4. Flashforward – Flashforward can be seen as the opposite of flashback, and involves the use of events that have yet to happen in the narrative.
5. Allegory – Allegory is the use of characters, objects, or symbols to represent abstract ideas or real-world situations.
6. Frame Story – Frame stories involve a framing device, such as a narrator, to tell multiple stories within a larger story.
7. Metaphor/Simile – Metaphors and similes can be used to provide extra insight into the story and characterize an individual or situation.
8. Monologue/Dialogue – A monologue is a long speech by a single character, often expressing an inner monologue about the current situation in the story. Dialogue is the exchange between two or more characters and is used to deepen characterization and advance plot.
9. Foil – Foil is the use of one character to emphasize the traits of another character. In other words, one character’s traits serve to create contrast with another character.
To conclude, narrative devices are essential components of any story. By properly utilizing the nine types of narrative devices discussed in this article, a writer can create a compelling narrative. Not only do narrative devices help further the plot of the story, but they can also be used to add depth of characterization, build suspense, and involve the reader.