Narrative structure: orientation, complication, resolution

Most narratives follow a similar shape. The orientation introduces the characters, setting and situation. The complication introduces a problem, conflict or challenge. The resolution shows how the problem is solved or how things end up. Understanding this structure helps you both read stories more closely and plan your own.

Key terms

Orientation:

The part of a narrative that introduces characters, setting and situation.

Complication:

The problem or conflict in a narrative.

Resolution:

How a narrative's problem is solved or how it ends.

Questions

1. 1. The orientation of a narrative introduces:

   • Characters, setting and situation
   • Only the ending
   • Punctuation
   • A quiz

2. 2. The complication is:

   • The ending
   • A problem or conflict
   • The title
   • A list of facts

3. 3. The resolution:

   • Starts the story
   • Introduces characters
   • Shows how the problem is solved
   • Is always missing

4. 4. Which usually comes first in a narrative?

   • Resolution
   • Complication
   • Orientation
   • None of these

5. 5. A story's setting is introduced during the:

   • Resolution
   • Orientation
   • Complication only
   • Nowhere

6. 6. Most stories have a problem or challenge introduced in the:

   • Orientation
   • Complication
   • Title
   • Resolution

7. 7. Understanding narrative structure mainly helps you:

   • Ignore stories
   • Read and plan stories more effectively
   • Avoid using punctuation
   • Write only facts

8. 8. "Mia lived on a quiet farm with her dog, Rex." is an example of:

   • Complication
   • Orientation
   • Resolution
   • A persuasive text

9. 9. "One day, Rex went missing during a storm." is an example of:

   • Orientation
   • Complication
   • Resolution
   • A fact

10. 10. "Mia found Rex sheltering safely under the old barn." is an example of:

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • Resolution
    • A question

11. 11. A narrative without any complication would likely feel:

    • Exciting and tense
    • Flat, with little tension or interest
    • Impossible to write
    • Always persuasive

12. 12. The orientation typically answers questions like:

    • Who, where and when?
    • How is the problem solved?
    • What is the conflict?
    • None of these

13. 13. A resolution that leaves the problem completely unsolved with no explanation can leave readers feeling:

    • Satisfied
    • Unsatisfied or confused
    • Excited about the setting
    • Informed about facts

14. 14. Which part of a narrative usually creates the most tension for the reader?

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • The title
    • The author's name

15. 15. A story starts by describing a character's peaceful morning routine, then a letter arrives with shocking news. This shift marks the transition from:

    • Resolution to orientation
    • Orientation to complication
    • Complication to resolution
    • There is no shift

16. 16. Why might a skilled writer sometimes delay the orientation and start in the middle of the complication?

    • To confuse the reader on purpose with no benefit
    • To immediately grab the reader's attention before filling in background
    • Because orientation is never needed
    • Because it is required by law

17. 17. A resolution that connects back to a detail introduced in the orientation is generally considered:

    • A structural flaw
    • A satisfying, well-planned ending
    • Impossible to write
    • Irrelevant to the story

18. 18. Which best describes a story with a weak structure?

    • Clear orientation, rising complication, and a fitting resolution
    • Random events with no clear problem or ending
    • A short story with a twist ending
    • A story with vivid description

19. 19. When planning a narrative, thinking about the resolution before writing the complication can help a writer:

    • Write random unrelated events
    • Make sure the problem leads logically to a satisfying ending
    • Avoid using characters
    • Skip the orientation entirely

20. 20. Comparing two narratives with similar complications but very different resolutions mainly shows that:

    • Complications always have exactly one resolution
    • The same type of problem can be resolved in many different ways
    • Resolutions are unnecessary
    • Orientation doesn't matter