CPW Narrative and Storytelling Principles 5 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which narrative element establishes the rules, norms, and atmosphere of the story world before the main conflict begins?
- Rising action
- Exposition (Correct answer)
- Climax
- Resolution
Correct answer: Exposition
Exposition provides essential background informationāsetting, character introductions, and world rulesāthat orients readers before the central conflict unfolds.
Question 2: A character who remains essentially unchanged from beginning to end of a story is called a(n):
- Round character
- Dynamic character
- Static character (Correct answer)
- Flat character
Correct answer: Static character
A static character does not undergo significant internal change throughout the narrative, maintaining the same values, attitudes, or personality.
Question 3: The technique of interrupting the main narrative to portray an event from the past is called a(n):
- Flash-forward
- Flashback
- Analepsis
- Both B and C (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B and C
Flashback and analepsis are synonymous terms describing a narrative interruption that depicts events occurring before the story's present timeline.
Question 4: In narrative theory, 'story' refers to the raw events in chronological order, while 'discourse' refers to:
- The theme of the narrative
- The dialogue between characters
- How events are arranged and presented (Correct answer)
- The narrator's commentary
Correct answer: How events are arranged and presented
Discourse (or sjuzhet) is the narrative's structure and presentationāthe order, pace, and manner in which the underlying story events are told.
Question 5: Which type of story ending leaves the central conflict unresolved to reflect the ambiguity of real life?
- Closed ending
- Open ending (Correct answer)
- Circular ending
- Twist ending
Correct answer: Open ending
An open ending deliberately withholds full resolution, trusting readers to interpret the outcome and reflecting the messiness of real experience.
Question 6: The principle that a story's theme should emerge organically from character and action rather than being stated explicitly is called:
- Show don't tell
- Organic unity
- Thematic implication (Correct answer)
- Subtext
Correct answer: Thematic implication
Thematic implication means the story's central meaning arises from the accumulated weight of events and characters rather than authorial declaration.
Question 7: When a narrator addresses the reader directly using 'you,' the story employs which point of view?
- First person
- Third person limited
- Second person (Correct answer)
- Omniscient
Correct answer: Second person
Second-person narration places the reader in the protagonist's role using 'you,' creating immersion or an unusual, distancing effect depending on its use.
CPW Narrative and Storytelling Principles 5
Which narrative element establishes the rules, norms, and atmosphere of the story world before the main conflict begins?