Narrative Techniques
Master the art of storytelling through show don't tell, dialogue, figurative language, and building tension.
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of telling the reader how a character feels, great writers show it through actions, body language, and sensory details. This lets the reader figure out the emotion themselves, making the writing much more powerful.
"She was very scared."
"Her hands trembled as she pressed herself against the wall, barely daring to breathe."
"He was angry."
"He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. The plate shattered against the wall before he even realised he had thrown it."
"It was a cold day."
"Frost clung to the windowpanes, and each breath rose in a cloud of white mist."
Dialogue and Speech Punctuation
Dialogue is when characters speak. It brings your story to life, reveals personality, and moves the plot forward. But it must be punctuated correctly.
Dialogue Rules
Example of Well-Written Dialogue
"Where are you going?" whispered Mia, glancing over her shoulder.
"To find the key," replied Jake. He paused at the doorway. "Are you coming or not?"
Mia hesitated. "I suppose I don't have a choice," she muttered, pulling her hood up.
Figurative Language
Figurative language uses words in creative ways to create vivid images and feelings. Here are the three most important types for narrative writing:
Simile
Compares two things using "like" or "as".
"The stars glittered like diamonds scattered across black velvet."
"He was as quiet as a mouse."
Metaphor
Says something is something else (without using like or as). Stronger than a simile.
"The classroom was a zoo after lunch."
"Her voice was honey, smooth and sweet."
Personification
Gives human qualities to non-human things (objects, animals, nature).
"The wind whispered through the trees."
"The sun smiled down on the village."
Building Tension and Suspense
Good stories keep readers on the edge of their seats. Here are the key techniques for building tension:
Short Sentences
Quick, punchy sentences speed up the pace and create urgency.
"She froze. Something moved. A shadow. Closer now."
Ellipsis (...)
Creates a pause, making the reader wonder what will happen next.
"She reached for the handle and slowly pushed the door open..."
Sensory Details
Describe what characters see, hear, smell, feel, or taste to immerse the reader.
"The floorboard creaked beneath her foot. The air smelled of damp stone."
Delaying the Reveal
Make the reader wait for the answer. Describe the build-up before the big moment.
"Something was behind the curtain. She could see its outline, tall and still. Her fingers closed around the fabric..."
Annotated Narrative Excerpt
Notice how the techniques work together to create a powerful piece of writing.
The old house groaned in the wind, its broken windows staring like hollow eyes. The smell of damp wood and something else — something sharp and metallic — hung in the air.
Lena's heart hammered against her ribs. She gripped the torch tighter. One step. Then another. The floor creaked. She held her breath...
"Who's there?" she whispered, her voice barely a sound. The silence was a wall, solid and unbreaking.
Key Vocabulary
Simile
A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "brave as a lion").
Metaphor
A comparison that says something is something else (e.g., "the world is a stage").
Personification
Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "the trees danced").
Dialogue
The words spoken by characters, written inside inverted commas.
Tension
A feeling of suspense or anxiety that keeps the reader engaged.
Show Don't Tell
Using actions and details to convey emotions rather than stating them directly.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of narrative techniques. Select the correct answer and click "Check Answer".
Question 1
Which sentence uses "show don't tell" to convey sadness?
Question 2
What type of figurative language is: "The moon was a silver coin floating in the dark sky"?
Question 3
Which technique is used in: "The floorboards groaned under his weight"?
Question 4
Which punctuation of dialogue is correct?
Question 5
Which version best creates tension and suspense?
Key Concepts Summary
- ● Show don't tell: use actions and details to convey emotions instead of stating them.
- ● Dialogue must be punctuated correctly: speech marks, comma before reporting clause, new line for new speaker.
- ● Similes use like/as, metaphors say something is something else, personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
- ● Build tension with short sentences, ellipsis, sensory details, and delaying the reveal.
- ● The best narrative writing combines multiple techniques together for maximum effect.