Rhetorical Mode

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Rhetorical Mode

• Narrative

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Definition

• the representation in art of an event or story

Synonyms for fiction STORY , anecdote,
narration, tale, yarn Synonyms for
nonfiction ACCOUNT , chronicle, history, report,
story, version, anecdote
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Patterns of Organization

• Chronological time order
• Flashback an earlier event inserted into normal
  chronological order
• Frame story a story within a story

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Patterns of Organization

• May contain gaps in time sequence
• May begin In medias res (in the middle of things)
• May jump around disjointedly

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Narrative Structure

• Also known as Freytags Pyramid

1. Exposition

• Setting (time place)used to
• create mood/atmosphere
• Introduction of characters
• Introduction of conflict, external internal

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Narrative Structure

• 2. Complication incident that gets the tension
  building
• 3. Rising Action events that build tension
• 4. Climax emotional high point or turning point

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Narrative Structure

• 5. Falling Action events that relieve tension
• 6. Resolution of conflict/Denouement (conclusion)

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Freytags Pyramid
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Theme

• Usually implied through events of story, not
  directly stated.
• Purpose to convey a universal truth about
  human life and experience

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Characterization

• Protagonist the leading character
• Antagonist an adversary or opponent (may not be
  a personcould be nature or even the characters
  own conscience)

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Character Development

• Round fully developed
• Flat one dimensional
• Stereotype a person, group, or issue considered
  to typify or conform to an unvarying pattern or
  manner and lacking individuality (dumb blonde,
  teenage angst)

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Point of View

• 1st person narrator is also a character in the
  story
• 3rd person (much fiction) he, she, it, they
• Omniscient - (all-knowing)
• Limited omniscient limited to knowledge about a
  specific character

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A Nonfiction Narrative

• May contain one extended anecdote or a series of
  anecdotes to illustrate a point or to develop an
  argument
• Contains a thesis, not a theme

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A Nonfiction Narrative

• May follow Freytags pyramid if is an extended
  anecdote (one event)
• May use narrative as one of several rhetorical
  modes to develop the piece
• Purpose depends on dominant rhetorical mode (i.e.
  argument)