What is Narration?
The act of telling a story.
The Art of Storytelling: Understanding Narration in Creative Writing
Narration is the art of crafting a story, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, through the utterance of words.
The storyteller's task is to create vivid images and characters that come alive in their audience's imaginations, transporting them to different times and places. Through the careful choice of words, use of grammar, and precise sentence structuring, writers can create narration that is engaging and compelling.
Often, narration takes on a specific perspective, such as first-person or third-person point of view. The writer's choice of perspective can greatly influence the reader's experience of the story. Additionally, narration can employ various techniques such as dialogue, foreshadowing, and flashbacks to create a more immersive experience.
Ultimately, narration is a crucial aspect of creative writing that requires attention to detail and careful consideration. When done skillfully, it can enchant and captivate readers, leaving them wanting more.
Examining narration within literature can help aspiring writers understand how this term is used in practice.
The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, a character who is both a participant and observer of the story's events. Fitzgerald's use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the story through Nick's perspective and get a glimpse into his thoughts and emotions.
"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life." - Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby
To Kill a Mockingbird is told through the eyes of six-year-old Scout Finch, providing an innocent and curious point of view on the events that unfold in the story. Lee's use of Scout's narration also allows for exploration of themes such as racism and justice that are seen through a child's eyes.
"Miss Caroline was no more than twenty-one. She had bright auburn hair, pink cheeks, and wore crimson fingernail polish. She also wore high heels. She looked and smelled like a peppermint drop." - Scout Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird