A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Exterior Narrative of a Story
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

Defining Exterior Narrative

Importance of Exterior Narrative

Creating a Captivating Exterior Narrative

Analyzing Exterior Narratives in Literature

Resources for Further Study

Welcome to an insightful guide on understanding and mastering the art of the exterior narrative in storytelling. In this beginner-friendly blog, we'll explore what a story exterior narrative is, its importance, and how to create a captivating one. Through relatable examples from literature, we'll also demonstrate how renowned authors have used exterior narratives to engage readers and bring their stories to life.

Defining Exterior Narrative

Let's start by understanding what a story exterior narrative is. An exterior narrative refers to the events, actions, and descriptions that take place outside of a character's thoughts and emotions. It provides readers with a clear picture of what's happening in the story and helps them follow the plot.

Components of Exterior Narrative

There are a few key components that make up an exterior narrative:

  • Action: The physical events taking place in the story, such as a character running, talking, or fighting.
  • Description: The detailed portrayal of characters, settings, and objects to help the reader visualize the story.
  • Dialogue: The conversations between characters, which reveal their personalities, relationships, and advance the plot.

Exterior vs. Interior Narrative

While a story exterior narrative is the focus of this guide, it's essential to understand its counterpart: the interior narrative. An interior narrative delves into a character's thoughts, feelings, and internal struggles. It allows the reader to connect with characters on a deeper level and understand their motivations. The balance between these two types of narratives is vital to create a well-rounded and engaging story.

Importance of Exterior Narrative

Now that we know what a story exterior narrative is, let's look at why it's so crucial to storytelling. A well-crafted exterior narrative can engage readers, create a vivid world, and build tension throughout the story.

Establishing Setting

The exterior narrative plays a vital role in painting a vivid picture of the story's setting. By using descriptive language, it transports readers to the world the author has created—whether it's a bustling city, a quiet village, or a magical realm. A captivating setting can draw readers in, making them feel like they're part of the story and eager to explore more.

Building Tension

Another essential aspect of a story exterior narrative is the ability to build tension. Through action, conflict, and dialogue, the exterior narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. This tension keeps the story moving forward and encourages readers to stay invested in the characters and their journey.

Creating a Captivating Exterior Narrative

Now that we understand the importance of exterior narrative, let's dive into some practical tips for creating a captivating one that will keep your readers engaged and immersed in your story.

Using Descriptive Language

Descriptive language is the key to bringing your story's exterior narrative to life. Use sensory details to help your readers see, hear, smell, taste, and feel your story's world. Be specific and choose words that evoke a strong sense of place. For example, instead of saying "the forest was dark," you could say, "the dense canopy of the ancient forest swallowed every ray of sunlight, casting an eerie shadow on the damp earth below."

Balancing Action and Description

Finding the right balance between action and description is crucial for maintaining a story's momentum. Too much description can slow down the story, while too much action can leave readers feeling overwhelmed. Strike a balance by interspersing descriptive passages with moments of action and dialogue to keep your readers engaged and the story moving forward.

Writing from a Consistent Perspective

Consistency is essential in any narrative, and it's no different for exterior narratives. Choose a perspective—first person, third person, or omniscient—and stick with it throughout your story. This consistency will help your readers stay immersed in the story and make it easier for them to follow along with the events happening in the exterior narrative.

Creating a Captivating Exterior Narrative

Armed with an understanding of the importance of exterior narrative, let's discuss some strategies for crafting one that will captivate your readers and bring your story to life.

Using Descriptive Language

Descriptive language is essential for creating a vivid exterior narrative. Use sensory details to help your readers see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the world you've created. Be specific and choose words that evoke a strong sense of place. For example, instead of saying "the forest was dark," you could say, "the dense canopy of the ancient forest swallowed every ray of sunlight, casting an eerie shadow on the damp earth below."

Balancing Action and Description

Finding the right balance between action and description is crucial for maintaining a story's momentum. Too much description can slow down the story, while too much action can leave readers feeling overwhelmed. Strike a balance by interspersing descriptive passages with moments of action and dialogue to keep your readers engaged and the story moving forward.

Writing from a Consistent Perspective

Consistency is essential in any narrative, and it's no different for exterior narratives. Choose a perspective—first person, third person, or omniscient—and stick with it throughout your story. This consistency will help your readers stay immersed in the story and make it easier for them to follow along with the events happening in the exterior narrative.

Analyzing Exterior Narratives in Literature

Examining the exterior narratives in popular literature can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own writing. Let's take a look at some well-known examples:

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses the exterior narrative to depict the social customs and expectations of her time. Through detailed descriptions and dialogue, readers can visualize the picturesque English countryside and the intricacies of polite society, which in turn, helps them understand the characters and their motivations.

Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea

Hemingway's sparse and straightforward exterior narrative in The Old Man and the Sea conveys the harsh reality of the fisherman's struggle against nature. The simple, yet powerful language reflects the protagonist's determination and resilience, making readers feel the weight of his struggle and the strength of his spirit.

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series

In the Harry Potter series, Rowling's exterior narrative shines in its ability to create a magical world that captivates readers of all ages. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative details, readers are transported to a world filled with wonder and excitement, where they can experience the adventures of the characters alongside them.

Resources for Further Study

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of exterior narrative and improve your writing skills, here are some resources that can help:

Books on Narrative Techniques

  • Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
  • Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development by K.M. Weiland

Online Courses

  • MasterClass offers writing courses from bestselling authors such as Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, and James Patterson.
  • Coursera provides various creative writing courses from top universities and institutions.
  • The Writers' Academy by Penguin Random House offers a range of online writing courses, including one focused on narrative techniques.

Writing Groups and Workshops

Joining a writing group or attending a workshop can provide valuable feedback and support from fellow writers. These opportunities can also help you learn new techniques, experiment with different narrative styles, and gain confidence in your writing abilities. Look for local writing groups in your community or search for online workshops and forums that cater to your interests and goals.

Analyzing Exterior Narratives in Literature

Examining the exterior narratives in popular literature can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own writing. Let's take a look at some well-known examples:

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses the exterior narrative to depict the social customs and expectations of her time. Through detailed descriptions and dialogue, readers can visualize the picturesque English countryside and the intricacies of polite society, which in turn, helps them understand the characters and their motivations.

Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea

Hemingway's sparse and straightforward exterior narrative in The Old Man and the Sea conveys the harsh reality of the fisherman's struggle against nature. The simple, yet powerful language reflects the protagonist's determination and resilience, making readers feel the weight of his struggle and the strength of his spirit.

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series

In the Harry Potter series, Rowling's exterior narrative shines in its ability to create a magical world that captivates readers of all ages. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative details, readers are transported to a world filled with wonder and excitement, where they can experience the adventures of the characters alongside them.

Resources for Further Study

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of exterior narrative and improve your writing skills, here are some resources that can help:

Books on Narrative Techniques

  • Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
  • Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development by K.M. Weiland

Online Courses

  • MasterClass offers writing courses from bestselling authors such as Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, and James Patterson.
  • Coursera provides various creative writing courses from top universities and institutions.
  • The Writers' Academy by Penguin Random House offers a range of online writing courses, including one focused on narrative techniques.

Writing Groups and Workshops

Joining a writing group or attending a workshop can provide valuable feedback and support from fellow writers. These opportunities can also help you learn new techniques, experiment with different narrative styles, and gain confidence in your writing abilities. Look for local writing groups in your community or search for online workshops and forums that cater to your interests and goals.

Resources for Further Study

Expanding your knowledge of exterior narrative can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. To help you on this journey, here are some resources that can support your growth as a writer:

Books on Narrative Techniques

  • Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin offers guidance on various aspects of writing, including the importance of crafting a strong exterior narrative.
  • The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby delves into the structure of stories, providing a comprehensive guide for developing compelling narratives.
  • Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development by K.M. Weiland explores the connection between character development and exterior narrative, providing valuable insights for writers.

Online Courses

  • MasterClass offers writing courses from bestselling authors such as Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, and James Patterson, providing in-depth lessons on narrative techniques and storytelling.
  • Coursera provides various creative writing courses from top universities and institutions, covering topics like plot development, character creation, and exterior narrative.
  • The Writers' Academy by Penguin Random House offers a range of online writing courses, including one focused on narrative techniques that can help you create captivating exterior narratives.

Writing Groups and Workshops

Joining a writing group or attending a workshop can provide valuable feedback and support from fellow writers. These opportunities can also help you learn new techniques, experiment with different narrative styles, and gain confidence in your writing abilities. Look for local writing groups in your community or search for online workshops and forums that cater to your interests and goals.

By exploring these resources and immersing yourself in the world of exterior narrative, you'll discover how a story exterior narrative is the foundation for building tension, establishing setting, and creating captivating stories that resonate with readers. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and start honing your craft today!

If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of documentary filmmaking, we highly recommend exploring the workshop 'Treatment Writing For Documentaries' by Reshelshah. This workshop will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively write treatments for documentaries, helping you bring your ideas to life and captivate your audience.