Mastering Textual Typologies: Narrative and Discourse

Narrative Elements and Structure

Narrative is an account of action, real or fictitious, carried out by characters. Texts may be literary-narrative (fictitious events) or non-literary-narrative (real facts).

The Narrator and Action

The narrator is the voice the author adopts to tell the facts. This can be an internal narrator (1st person) or an external narrator (3rd person). The action consists of a set of facts located in time and space, which can be real or imaginary.

Character Types

Characters are the entities conducting operations. They are categorized as:

• Protagonist and Antagonist: The main opposing forces.
• Side Characters: Supporting roles.
• Flat Characters: Those with no psychological complexity.
• Round Characters: Those with psychological depth.

Narrative Framework

The facts are arranged in a structure consisting of a framework, the development of the action, and the final situation. Development can follow several paths:

• Linear Development: Chronological order.
• Retrospect: Inserting past events.
• Anticipation: Advertising future events.

  Techniques of Description

  Description is the presentation of the characteristic traits of beings. It can be objective (showing reality as it is) or subjective (showing a particular perception of reality).

  Descriptive Order and Style

  The order of description is typically spatial and noticeable through the senses. Adjectives abound, and space markers are often used alongside epithets, similes, and metaphors.

  Descriptions in Narratives

  Descriptive sequences are introduced in narratives to present characters and places:

  • Prosopography: Physical features.
  • Etopeya: Psychological traits.
  • Portrait: A combination of physical and psychological traits.
  • Topography: Description of places.

  Forms of Dialogue

  Dialogue is the exchange of information between two or more partners. It can be spontaneous (not following a fixed plan) or planned (following a previously drafted script).

  Linguistic Features of Dialogue

  Dialogue is based on the alternation of partners. Linguistic features include combining various forms to regulate the speaking time, using speaker calls to maintain communicative contact, and employing different linguistic forms to manage the interaction.

  Expository Discourse and Exhibition

  Exhibition (or Exposition) is a type of discourse whose aim is to convey information in an objective, orderly, and clear manner.

  • Informative: Targets receivers without specific knowledge of the subject.
  • Specialized: Aimed at receptors who already possess knowledge of the subject.

  Expository Structures

  Expository texts are often presented through specific structures:

  • Framed Structure: Includes an introduction, development, and conclusion.
  • Analysand Structure: Starts with a general presentation and then develops particular aspects.
  • Synthesizing Structure: Explains particular aspects until a general conclusion is reached.

  Exhibition Procedures

  Different elements are used in the exhibition to ensure the recipient understands the information: definition, comparison, modeling, question-answering, and problem-solution.