Textual Typology: Narrative Practices | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Narration is one of the oldest and most universal forms of communication. Since prehistoric times, humans have told stories to convey knowledge, values, and experiences. Stories can be found in all cultures and are a powerful tool for connecting people and sharing experiences. In this lesson, we will explore how narration is structured and how to identify its main elements.
Did you know that the stories we tell can influence the way we see the world and how we behave? For example, fairy tales often have moral lessons that teach us about courage, kindness, and justice. Moreover, great stories can inspire generations and even change the course of history! Think about how the books and movies you love impact your emotions and thoughts.
Definition of Narrative Text
A narrative text is a type of text that tells a story, either real or fictional, through a sequence of organized events. These stories are presented in a structured manner, with a beginning, middle, and end, which allows the reader to follow the development of events and understand the central message of the narrative.
A narrative text can take various forms, including short stories, novels, fables, legends, and even certain chronicles and news articles. The main objective is to engage the reader emotionally and intellectually, providing a reading experience that can be both educational and entertaining.
Narration is a powerful tool for conveying cultural and social values, as well as allowing for reflection on the human condition. Narrative stories can teach important lessons, promote empathy, and stimulate the reader's imagination. Therefore, the ability to recognize and understand narrative texts is essential for the formation of critical and conscious readers.
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The narrative text tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
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It can be real or fictional.
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Includes forms such as short stories, novels, fables, and legends.
Structure of the Narrative
The structure of a narrative consists of three main parts: beginning, development, and conclusion. In the beginning, the setting and main characters are presented, establishing the context in which the story will unfold. This stage is crucial for situating the reader and introducing the elements that will be developed throughout the narrative.
In the development, the main events of the story occur, including the conflicts and challenges faced by the characters. It is in this part that the plot intensifies, keeping the reader's interest and guiding them through the highs and lows of the narrative. This section should be well elaborated to ensure the cohesion and logical progression of events.
The conclusion is the ending of the story, where the conflicts are resolved and the plots are tied up. It can be a happy, tragic, or open ending, depending on the author's purpose. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure to the reader, even if it leaves some questions open for reflection.
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Beginning: presentation of the setting and characters.
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Development: main events and conflicts.
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Conclusion: resolution and conclusion of conflicts.
Elements of the Narrative
The elements of the narrative are the essential components that make up a story. Among them, characters, the plot, time, space, and narrator stand out. Each of these elements plays a fundamental role in the construction and development of the narrative.
Characters are the beings that participate in the story, and can be people, animals, or even personified objects. They are responsible for moving the plot and interacting with the events of the narrative. The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story, including the conflicts and resolutions that occur throughout the text.
Time can be chronological, following the natural sequence of events, or psychological, reflecting the subjective perception of the characters about time. Space is the place where the story takes place, and it can significantly influence the unfolding of events. Finally, the narrator is the voice that tells the story, which can be a participating character (first-person narrator) or an external observer (third-person narrator).
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Characters: beings that participate in the story.
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Plot: sequence of events in the narrative.
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Time: chronological or psychological.
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Space: place where the story takes place.
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Narrator: voice that tells the story.
Types of Narrator
Types of narrators are classified according to the perspective from which the story is told. The first-person narrator is one who participates in the story and narrates the events in the first person, using pronouns such as 'I' and 'me'. This type of narrator offers a subjective and personal view of the events, allowing the reader direct access to the thoughts and feelings of the character-narrator.
The third-person observer, on the other hand, narrates the story in the third person, using pronouns such as 'he' and 'she'. This narrator does not directly participate in the events and offers a more objective and impartial view of the narrative. It can be omniscient, knowing all the thoughts and feelings of the characters, or limited, knowing only what is externally visible.
The choice of narrator type significantly influences how the story is perceived by the reader. A first-person narrator can provide greater identification and empathy, while a third-person narrator can offer a broader and more detailed view of the events and characters.
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First-person narrator: participates in the story and narrates in the first person.
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Third-person observer: narrates in the third person and does not participate directly.
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Can be omniscient or limited.
To Remember
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Narrative Text: Type of text that tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
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Structure of the Narrative: Composed of beginning, development, and conclusion.
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Elements of the Narrative: Include characters, plot, time, space, and narrator.
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Narrator: Can be a first-person narrator (participant) or a third-person observer (external).
Conclusion
In this lesson, we explored the textual typology focused on narrative practices. We discussed the concept of narrative text, which is a way of telling stories organized into a beginning, middle, and end, based on real or fictional events. We also covered the basic structure of a narrative, composed of beginning, development, and conclusion, and detailed the main elements that constitute a story: characters, plot, time, space, and narrator. Additionally, we learned about the different types of narrators and how the choice between first-person and third-person narrator can influence the reader's perception of the story.
The knowledge gained about narrative texts is essential not only for the interpretation and analysis of literary works but also for the understanding of various forms of communication that use narratives, such as films, series, and even everyday accounts. This understanding allows for a more critical and conscious reading, as well as enriching the students' textual production capacity.
We encourage everyone to explore more on the topic by reading different types of narratives and practicing writing their own stories. Continuous practice and critical analysis are essential for the development of narrative skills and for broadening students' cultural and literary repertoire.
Study Tips
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Read different types of narrative texts, such as short stories, fables, novels, and legends, to observe how narrative elements are used in each.
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Practice writing your own narratives, experimenting with different types of narrators and story structures.
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Discuss and analyze narratives with peers or in a study group to exchange ideas and perspectives, enriching text comprehension.
