Enjoying Reading 6Narrative Techniques

• Chronological-Sequential• In Medias Res• Flashback

I would not forget _____.

Objective:Identify the characteristics of each narrative technique

Chronological - Sequential

Chronological-Sequential• Story has beginning, middle,

and end

Lisa bikes on a Sunday.

Lisa studies on a Monday.

Lisa swims on Tuesday.

EXPOSITION:King Midas saved the satyr.

RISING ACTION:Dionysus granted the king’s wish.

CLIMAX:Everything that the King touched turned to gold.

FALLING ACTION:King Midas realized he did not need the wish.

RESOLUTION:Dionysus took back the first wish.

In Medias Res

In Medias Res• “in the middle

of things”• Story starts in

the middle without exposition

When she woke up that afternoon with a headache, Jas could only remember two things: one, someone had broken into her home; and two, that person had not been alone.

1

May stood face to face with the general—his fists clenched at his sides and an unforgiving look on his face.

May wished she were back at home.

2

Flashback

Flashback

• Interruption of the current story to show a scene from the past

Lisa studies on Monday.

Lisa daydreams of bike ride from Sunday.

Lisa swims on Tuesday.

Jamie is cooking adobo. Suddenly, the smell of the soy sauce took her back to long ago.

She had been cooking when the phone call about her dad’s accident came. Jamie froze as she thought of this. 1

Martha smiled, remembering when her dad had taught her to ride a bike.

Now, he was gone and she alone had to take care of the family. “I still need you, Dad,” she whispered.

2

Grasshopper had no food. Grasshopper was very hungry and sad, recalling that Ant had food enough because he had worked hard to prepare in advance.

4

Time Spotters:In Medias Res

vs.Flashback

All of a sudden, Karl cried uncontrollably.

He remembered walking in the woods with his brother, who tried to scare him with a story about a hooded monster.

1

The blazing fire licked the building. People ran and panicked. Children were crying. Everyone did not know what to do.

Firefighters were all around trying to save people and their properties. 2

May lined up with the other runners. All were determined and excited except for May.

Suddenly, it was last year again, and she was telling the coach that she had to drop out of the team because of her illness.

3

Ant remembered last winter and how deep snow had covered everything.

Now, an even worse winter was predicted.

4

“Bring the rain!”Soldiers were everywhere.

Warfare against the rebels began. Civilians were rescued and kept in safe places.

The president called for Martial Law. 5

Sample Answer:

• Video 1• Flashback• It showed the childhood

memories of the main character.

Top StoriesTITLES CS IMR F REASONS1. Little Red Riding Hood

/ It showed the events when the wolf ate LRRH.

2. Transformers

/ It began with the war between Autobots and Decepticons.

3. Up / It showed the married life of Ellie and Carl.