Writing: Narrative Skills
B2 Lesson 3: Developing Characters & Plot
Model: "Show, Don't Tell"
The most important rule for creating interesting characters is to show their personality, not just tell the reader about it. See the difference below.
The woman was very generous.
Even though she did not have much, the woman shared her small portion of rice with the hungry child.
Building a Better Plot 📈
A simple story has a beginning, middle, and end. A more developed plot has a clear problem that creates tension and excitement.
A Simple Plot Structure
- Exposition: The beginning. Introduce the character and the normal situation.
- Inciting Incident: The event that starts the problem or conflict.
- Rising Action: The middle. The character takes steps to solve the problem.
- Climax: The most exciting part, where the character faces the problem directly.
- Resolution: The end. The problem is solved, and we see the final outcome.
Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️
B2 Advanced Story Checklist
- Does my story have a clear problem (inciting incident) and a climax?
- Have I "shown" my character's personality through their actions, dialogue, or thoughts?
- Does the story build tension towards the most exciting part?
- Have I used vivid descriptions and sensory details to build atmosphere?
Practice Your Storytelling Skills 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Plot Point
Read the short story below and answer the question.
(1) Srey was calmly walking home through the quiet streets after a long day at work. (2) Suddenly, she heard a faint meowing sound coming from a nearby storm drain. (3) She peered into the darkness and saw a tiny, trapped kitten. Without hesitating, she carefully reached down and gently lifted the frightened animal to safety.
Which sentence is the "Inciting Incident" (the event that starts the problem)?
→ Answer: Sentence (2). Sentence 1 is the exposition (normal situation). Hearing the sound is what starts the story's action.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Writing Task: Write a Complete Story
Write a short story (2-3 paragraphs) with a developed plot and character. Choose ONE of the following scenarios:
- A character finds a lost wallet full of money. (Show if they are honest or dishonest).
- A character is very nervous before giving an important presentation. (Show how they overcome their fear).
- A character gets lost while exploring a new part of their city. (Show if they are resourceful or easily panicked).
Plan your story using the plot structure we learned. Focus on showing your character's personality.
Key Vocabulary
- Plot The sequence of main events in a story.
- Character Development The process of creating a believable character.
- Resolution The end of the story where the main problem is solved.
- Inciting Incident The event that sets the main problem of the story in motion.
- Climax The most intense, exciting, or important point of a story.