Narrative structure

Most narratives follow a shape readers recognise instinctively. The orientation sets the scene — who the story is about, where it happens, and when. The complication introduces a problem that disrupts the characters' normal life and drives the plot forward. Tension builds until the climax, the moment of highest drama or the turning point. Finally, the resolution shows how the problem is solved and ties up loose ends.

Key terms

Orientation:

The opening that sets up who, where and when.

Complication:

The problem that drives the plot forward.

Climax:

The moment of highest tension or the turning point.

Resolution:

How the problem is solved at the end.

Questions

1. 1. A story usually starts with the:

   • Climax
   • Orientation
   • Resolution
   • Title

2. 2. The orientation of a story tells us:

   • How it ends
   • Who, where and when
   • The moral
   • The title

3. 3. The problem in a story is called the:

   • Resolution
   • Complication
   • Orientation
   • Setting

4. 4. The most exciting, tense part of a story is the:

   • Orientation
   • Complication
   • Climax
   • Title

5. 5. The ending of a story, where the problem is solved, is the:

   • Orientation
   • Complication
   • Climax
   • Resolution

6. 6. Which of these comes first in a story?

   • Climax
   • Resolution
   • Orientation
   • None of these

7. 7. A story about a lost dog being found again ends with a:

   • Complication
   • Orientation
   • Resolution
   • Title

8. 8. The orientation of a story introduces:

   • The climax
   • Characters, setting and time
   • The resolution
   • The theme

9. 9. The complication is:

   • The ending
   • The problem that drives the plot
   • The setting description
   • The title

10. 10. The turning point of highest tension is called the:

    • Resolution
    • Orientation
    • Climax
    • Exposition

11. 11. The resolution:

    • Introduces characters
    • Resolves the conflict
    • Is the first paragraph
    • Is always sad

12. 12. In a story about a school camping trip, getting lost in the bush would be the:

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • Climax
    • Resolution

13. 13. The part of a story where tension is highest, right before the problem gets solved, is the:

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • Climax
    • Resolution

14. 14. A resolution should:

    • Introduce new characters
    • Tie up the story's problem
    • Start the action
    • Describe the weather only

15. 15. The climax and the complication are different because the climax:

    • Introduces the problem
    • Is the moment of highest tension
    • Is always the first paragraph
    • Only happens in fairy tales

16. 16. A story where the problem is never solved is missing its:

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • Resolution
    • Setting

17. 17. Read: 'Mia's dog ran into traffic. She sprinted after him, heart pounding, cars screeching to a stop.' This is most likely the story's:

    • Orientation
    • Complication or climax
    • Resolution
    • Title

18. 18. Which order is correct for a typical narrative?

    • Climax, Orientation, Resolution, Complication
    • Orientation, Complication, Climax, Resolution
    • Resolution, Complication, Orientation, Climax
    • Complication, Climax, Orientation, Resolution

19. 19. A well-written resolution usually:

    • Introduces a brand new unrelated problem
    • Leaves the main problem unresolved
    • Shows how the main problem was solved
    • Skips back to the orientation

20. 20. In a mystery story, the moment the detective reveals who committed the crime is the:

    • Orientation
    • Complication
    • Climax
    • None of these

21. 21. A story that starts with the resolution and explains how it happened through flashback is unusual because it:

    • Skips the orientation entirely
    • Rearranges the typical structure
    • Has no complication
    • Cannot have a climax