What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Narrative voice determines the perspective and tone that shapes how readers experience the story

Sensory language immerses the reader by engaging sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch

Structural choices such as non-linear chronology or circular narrative create meaning beyond plot

Show don't tell presents character emotion through action and detail rather than direct statement

Key Vocabulary

Narrative Voice

The perspective and personality through which a story is told, shaped by person, tone, and reliability

Show Don't Tell

A writing technique that conveys character emotion or theme through concrete detail and action rather than explicit statement

Non-linear Narrative

A story structure that disrupts chronological order, using flashbacks, flash-forwards, or fragmented timelines

In Medias Res

A narrative technique that begins the story in the middle of the action rather than at the chronological beginning

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which sentence best demonstrates "show don't tell"?

She was nervous about the exam. Her hands trembled as she turned the exam paper face up, unable to meet the clock's eye. The exam made her feel very scared and worried. She did not want to do the exam because she was anxious.

Question 2

A story that begins with the protagonist escaping prison, then flashes back to explain how they got there, uses which technique?

Third person omniscient narration A circular narrative ending where it began In medias res with a non-linear structure Foreshadowing through symbolism

Question 3

An unreliable narrator is most useful for creating which effect?

Making the plot chronologically easy to follow Explaining every character's motivations clearly Describing the setting in precise objective detail Generating suspense and encouraging readers to question what is true

Imaginative Writing Techniques