Planning A Narrative Worksheet
Part 1: Review the Prompt
Narrative Type: My narrative will be a personal narrative about a time I experienced a conflict.
Part 2: Planning the Plot
Exposition
- Protagonist: The protagonist is Maya, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
- Two Other Characters:
- Sam: Maya's supportive best friend who is also an aspiring musician.
- Ms. Thompson: Maya's strict dance instructor who pushes her to her limits.
- Setting: The story is set in a vibrant city known for its thriving arts community, particularly a renowned dance academy where Maya trains.
Rising Action
- What is the conflict?: Maya struggles with self-doubt about her dance abilities and faces pressure from Ms. Thompson to perform well in an upcoming dance competition.
- Who or what is the antagonist causing the conflict?: The antagonist is primarily Ms. Thompson, whose high expectations and critical nature amplify Maya's self-doubt.
- Two events in the rising action:
- Maya fails a crucial practice session, leading to a confrontation with Ms. Thompson.
- Sam encourages Maya to express her feelings about the pressure she is under, leading her to confront her fears.
Climax
- What choice does the protagonist make to solve the conflict?: In a moment of vulnerability, Maya decides to trust her instincts and perform her own choreography in the competition, instead of strictly adhering to Ms. Thompson's instructions.
Falling Action
- What are the consequences of the turning point in the climax?: Maya's performance is met with mixed reactions, but she feels a sense of relief and empowerment for staying true to herself.
- How is the conflict being resolved?: After the competition, Maya and Ms. Thompson discuss the performance. Ms. Thompson admits she has been overly harsh and acknowledges the need for flexibility in teaching.
- Two events in the falling action:
- Maya begins to regain her confidence, working collaboratively with Ms. Thompson on new choreography.
- Maya and Sam celebrate her bravery, strengthening their friendship.
Resolution
- How does the story end?: Maya learns to embrace her individuality and self-worth, realizing that dance is not just about perfection but also about self-expression.
- What does the protagonist learn?: Maya learns that external pressures do not define her talent and that true artistry comes from within.
- What life lesson does the reader learn?: The reader learns that overcoming self-doubt and finding one's voice can lead to personal growth and satisfaction.
Part 3: Determine your point of view.
Point of View: I will use first person.
Why did you make this choice?: I chose first person to give readers an intimate glimpse into Maya's thoughts and emotions, allowing them to experience her journey of self-discovery and conflict resolution closely. This perspective will help convey the depth of her struggles and triumphs, making the narrative more relatable and engaging to the audience.