Narration change
Narration change refers to a shift in the perspective or style of storytelling in a written or spoken piece. It involves changing the narrator or the point of view from which the story is being told. It can have a significant impact on the way the story is perceived by the reader or listener. Narration changes can include switching between different characters’ perspectives, shifting from first-person to third-person narration, or using different narrative techniques, such as flashbacks or streams of consciousness.
Narration Change Rules
There are no fixed “rules” for changing narration in writing, as it largely depends on the preferences of the author and the needs of the story. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when making a narration change:
Consistency:
Ensure that the change in narration is smooth and doesn’t confuse or disorient the reader. Establish clear transitions or markers to indicate the shift in perspective or style.
Clarity of purpose:
Have a clear reason for the narration change. Consider what the new perspective or style will add to the story, such as a deeper understanding of a character, a different insight into events, or a change in tone.
Character distinction:
When switching between different characters’ perspectives, make sure the voices are distinct and easily recognizable. Each character should have their own unique voice, thoughts, and mannerisms.
Plot relevance:
The change in narration should serve the plot or the themes of the story. It should contribute to the overall narrative arc and not be a mere stylistic exercise.
Smooth transitions:
Use appropriate transition techniques to make the change in narration seamless. This may include using chapter breaks, section breaks, or transitional phrases or sentences to bridge the gap between the narrators.
Consider the reader’s experience:
Keep the reader engaged and make sure the narration changes enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the story. Avoid abrupt or confusing shifts that may cause the reader to lose interest or become disoriented.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and ultimately, the way you choose to change narration will depend on your writing style, the story you’re telling, and the effect you want to achieve.
Narration Change Exercises
Switching between characters:
Take a scene or a short story and rewrite it from the perspective of the different characters involved. Try to capture their unique voices and thoughts to provide new insights into the events. Focus on maintaining consistency in each character’s narration.
Shift in point of view:
Take a scene that is originally written in the third person and rewrite it in the first person. Consider how this change affects the reader’s experience and their understanding of the story. Pay attention to the difference in tone and the level of intimacy with the narrator.
Flashback or memory:
Incorporate a narration change using a flashback or a memory. Choose a particular moment from the past and write a scene that provides background information or insight into a character or event. Make sure to clearly denote the shift in time and perspective.
Stream of consciousness:
Experiment with using stream-of-consciousness narration, which delves into a character’s unfiltered thoughts and internal monologue. Take a scene and rewrite it in this style, capturing the character’s fragmented or meandering thoughts.
Multiple narrators:
Write a story with multiple narrators. Each chapter or section can be told from a different character’s point of view, giving readers a varied perspective on the events unfolding. Pay attention to the different voices and perspectives, and ensure that the transitions between narrators are smooth.
These exercises will help you practice different narration changes and acquaint you with the various techniques and challenges associated with each. Remember to keep experimenting and refining your skills as you go along!
Narration ChangeExample
Here’s an example of a narration change in a short story:
Original paragraph (third-person narration): “Sara walked down the street, lost in her own thoughts. She couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest. The city bustled around her, but she felt disconnected from it all.”
Narration change (first-person narration): “I walked down the street, lost in my own thoughts. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest. The city bustled around me, but I felt disconnected from it all.” In this example, we changed the narration from third-person (“Sara”) to first-person (“I”). This switch allows the reader to delve deeper into the character’s thoughts and emotions by experiencing the events directly through her perspective.
Note: Keep in mind that this is just a brief example, and narration changes can occur over longer stretches of text. The key is to ensure consistency in the narration style throughout the relevant passages and to use appropriate transition markers or techniques when switching between narrators.
Narration Change Exercises
Here are a few narration change exercises you can try:
Switching points of view:
Take a scene or a short story that you’ve written and rewrite it from a different character’s perspective. What new insights or information does this change in narration provide? How does it alter the tone or atmosphere of the scene?
Shifting from the first person to the third person:
Take a piece of writing that you’ve written in the first person, such as a personal essay or a journal entry, and rewrite it in the third person. How does this change in narration change the reader’s experience of the story? Does it create a broader or more objective perspective?
Changing narrative tenses:
Take a scene or a story written in the past tense and rewrite it in the present tense, or vice versa. How does the shift in narrative tense affect the immediacy or sense of time within the story?
Experimenting with multiple narrators:
Write a short story or scene with multiple narrators. Try using different characters to narrate different parts of the story and see how their unique perspectives and voices enhance the overall narrative.
Incorporating different narrative devices:
Utilize different narrative techniques, such as using letters, diary entries, or newspaper articles within your story. How does incorporating these devices change the way the story is told? What new layers or dimensions does it bring to the narrative?
Remember, these exercises are designed to help you explore different narration changes and broaden your writing skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with them!
Narration Examples
Here are a few examples of narration changes in literature:
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
The novel is narrated by Jean Louise “Scout” Finch from her perspective as a young girl. She provides a child’s viewpoint on events, but occasionally switches to an adult perspective to offer hindsight and reflections on her childhood experiences.
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn:
The novel alternates between two narrators, Amy Dunne and her husband Nick, who provide contrasting perspectives on their troubled marriage and a mysterious disappearance. Each narrator tells their own version of events, adding layers of complexity to the story.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, who recounts the events surrounding his enigmatic neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Nick serves as a first-person narrator, providing insights into the lives and actions of the other characters.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison:
The novel uses multiple narrators and narrative techniques to tell the story of Sethe, a former slave. The narration shifts between different characters, including Sethe herself, as well as incorporating streams of consciousness and fragmented memories to convey the trauma and history of slavery.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger:
The novel is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a teenage protagonist who tells his own story in a first-person, stream-of-consciousness style. The narration reflects Holden’s unique voice, thoughts, and observations as he navigates through adolescence and society.
These examples highlight how narration changes can be used to create varying perspectives, reveal different layers of a story, and evoke certain tones or atmospheres. They demonstrate the flexibility and impact of narration changes in literature.
Change The Narration
Here’s an example of changing the narration in a paragraph:
Original paragraph (third-person narration):
“The sun set over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow on the calm sea. The waves gently lapped against the shore as people gathered to watch the spectacle.”
Changed narration (first-person narration):
“I watched as the sun set over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow on the calm sea. The waves gently lapped against the shore as I joined the other people gathered to watch this beautiful spectacle.”
In this example, the point of view changes from a third-person perspective to a first-person perspective. By using first-person narration, the speaker directly engages with the scene, sharing their personal observations and experiences. This change adds a sense of immediacy and personal connection to the narration.