Unit 3: The Architecture of Story—Narrative Beginnings, Middles, and Ends
Unit 3: The Architecture of Story—Narrative Beginnings, Middles, and Ends
Stories have a shape, but what is a beginning? What is an end? And how do we manipulate expectations? We tackle narrative writing by breaking it down—crafting misleading openings, generating sizzle reels for imaginary movies, and building entire stories around a single last line given by the instructor. The goal? To understand that stories aren’t just about plot but about structure, tension, and movement—about how stories make readers feel.
How do we structure a story in a way that engages and surprises the reader?
What techniques can writers use to create tone, mood, and character voice?
How can storytelling be used to explore identity, morality, and perspective?
In what ways do genre conventions shape a reader’s expectations—and how can we subvert them?
How does revision and experimentation lead to stronger storytelling?
How do different formats (screenplays, fables, letters, perspective shifts) change the way a story is told?
Students will experiment with varied story structures (linear, nonlinear, misleading, circular) to develop compelling narratives.
Students will practice establishing and resolving tension in creative ways.
Students will explore how beginnings and endings shape meaning and impact.
Students will use the Hero’s Journey framework to structure character arcs.
Students will develop distinct character voices through dialogue, internal monologue, and description.
Students will experiment with unexpected perspectives (animals, isolated characters, misleading narrators).
Students will explore how a character’s journey changes them over time (Hero’s Journey Letters).
Students will identify and apply genre conventions (fables, crime, children’s stories, suspense, fantasy).
Students will practice subverting reader expectations (misleading expectations assignment).
Students will explore the role of humor in storytelling (dad joke prompt, Mr. Rogers assignment).
Students will develop a drafting and revision process to refine their ideas.
Students will reflect on how structure and word choice affect tone.
Students will analyze how shifting a story’s format or point of view can change meaning.