Narrative - Make it a Powerful and Efficient Tool
January 8th, 2010Many writers believe only action scenes and dialog propel a story. They are right that these tools keep a story alive. However, narrative is a powerful tool also, because an author can explain a character’s inner feelings and can divulge important facts in a dramatic and efficient way.
UNCOVERING FACTS: Let me give you an example of using narrative as a fact-finding tool:
Jeremy lifted the silky negligee his wife has added to the top of their suitcase and spied a bottle of massage oil and leopard print thong.
“We’re going there to relax,” he called out to her as she primped in the bathroom.
“I know,” she giggled.
Jeremy sighed, closed the suitcase and locked it.
He was 74; Missie was 26.
This mini-scene starts with action and dialog but ends with just plain stating their ages. It is pure narrative and uses the passive “was” verb (which is often avoided in fiction). But these particular six words of passive narrative serve a huge purpose: they explain why Jeremy is less than thrilled (from his sigh) with what might otherwise be a thrilling vacation proposition. The facts give us that insight.
Yet facts alone are not enough. With different actions and dialog, these exact same facts can be the background reason for the opposite situation, one where it is the wife who is not pleased at her husband’s vacation plans, like this:
Missy turned back to close their suitcase and spied her silky negligee, a bottle of massage oil and a leopard print thong that her husband had added to the mix.
“I thought you’d be playing golf while I sat poolside?”
“Not likely.” He grinned.
Missy sighed, closed the suitcase and locked it.
Jeremy was 74; she was 26.
In either case, if the author tried to avoid narrative, these six words would need to be replaced with dialog or something to “show” their ages. This can be done, sure, but why work to manipulate the scene in order to slide in this information when just straight out stating it fills the reader in on just what they need to know? Presented in a brief and pointed manner like this, it can add a dramatic touch. Narrative is a great tool to explain the background behind the actions and dialog.
UNCOVERING FEELINGS: Another great use of narrative would be to use it to explain an inner reaction instead of an outer fact. Like this:
Bonny edged her way closer to the bulletin board through the pack of girls all gaping to see if they’d been chosen for the cheering team. Just as the small print came into focus, Kathy on her left squealed “I’m in!” then jostled Bonny as she rushed off still squealing. Bonny focused again and … her name stared back at her, second from the bottom.
“You made it, Bonny!” Tammy elbowed her. “Look, right next to me!”
“Yeah.” Bonny smiled. “Yeah.” Bonny turned to let the others through to the list as her heart sank, her stomach tightened and every fear she’d ever felt–fear of being at the front of a class, fear of failure, fear of open spaces–all collided in her brain.
In this instance, as before, we start with action and go into dialog. But, again, the most meaningful lines are the narrative at the end. We readers are being told how she feels and what is in her mind. These inner reactions might be brought out (or “shown” instead of “told”) in a dialog with Tammy, but narrative tells us right off what Bonny probably wouldn’t want to tell Tammy or anyone else anyway. Narrative provides the reader with the inside scoop on a character’s feelings even when those feelings are hidden from other characters.
Like all writing tools, narrative serves a fine purpose–just use it wisely for its powerful effect in YOUR fiction!