Essential Elements of Narrative, Fiction, and Poetic Devices

Core Elements of Narrative

• Narration: The expression used to tell a story, whether real or imaginary. It is often combined with description and dialogue.
• Action: The sequence of events that occur throughout the story, forming the plot.
• Characters: The individuals responsible for carrying out the actions within the story.

Types of Narrators

• First-Person Narrator: Uses the first person singular or plural (I or we).
• Omniscient Narrator: Uses the third person (he, she, they) and possesses full knowledge of the story.
• Witness Narrator: Uses the third person to recount what is seen and heard, without knowing the internal thoughts or feelings of characters.

Literary Forms

• The Novel: A complex narrative form featuring numerous characters with highly developed personalities.
• The Short Story: The simplest form of literary narrative.

Textual Communication

A text is a deliberate and complete communication unit consisting of a set of verbal combinations.

• Intentionality: Originates from the speaker or writer (e.g., to ask, command, inform, or desire).
• Completeness: Refers to the relationship with the recipient (listener or reader), where the interaction constructs the meaning of the message.

Poetic Resources

Phonic Resources

• Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds to create effects related to the poem's meaning.
• Onomatopoeia: The imitation of sounds or noises.

Semantic Resources

• Hyperbole: Exaggeration of the traits of a person, animal, thing, or phenomenon.
• Paradox: An apparent contradiction of two elements that is resolved through interpretation.
• Simile: A comparison between two elements, whether real or imaginary.
• Metaphor: A complex comparison that functions without explicit linking words.
• Literary Devices: Includes simile, metaphor, humanization, hyperbole, and antithesis.

Structure of Dramatic Works

• Acts: The primary parts of a dramatic action, recognized by changes in stage setting and time.
• Intermissions: Short periods of time separating one act from another.
• Tableaux: Segments of each act defined by changes in scenery.
• Scenes: Subdivisions of tableaux, marked by the entrance or exit of a character.