17.4 Narrative techniques and character development
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Homer and Virgil use narrative techniques to bring their epics to life. They employ , like and , to create suspense and provide context. and offer a richer understanding of events and characters.
Character development is crucial in these epics. The authors dive into characters' internal struggles, motivations, and growth. They use tools like and tragic flaws to reveal characters' thoughts and weaknesses, making them relatable and complex.
Narrative Devices
Nonlinear Storytelling Techniques
Top images from around the web for Nonlinear Storytelling Techniques
8 Classic storytelling techniques for engaging presentatio… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
storytelling | Jonathan Stray View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
8 Classic storytelling techniques for engaging presentatio… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
storytelling | Jonathan Stray View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Nonlinear Storytelling Techniques
8 Classic storytelling techniques for engaging presentatio… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
storytelling | Jonathan Stray View original
Is this image relevant?
Telling the Coaches Story | The Common Ratio View original
Is this image relevant?
8 Classic storytelling techniques for engaging presentatio… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
storytelling | Jonathan Stray View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Flashbacks interrupt the chronological sequence of events by depicting a scene from the past, providing background information or revealing a character's memories that are relevant to the present narrative
- Foreshadowing subtly hints at future events or outcomes in the story through dialogue, description, or symbolism, creating anticipation and building suspense for the reader
- Multiple perspectives narrate the story from the viewpoints of different characters, allowing the reader to gain a more comprehensive understanding of events and
- Parallel narratives interweave two or more storylines that may be separated by time, place, or characters, often converging at a critical point to reveal thematic connections or causal relationships
Character Psychology
Internal Struggles and Motivations
- Character motivations drive the actions and decisions of characters, often stemming from their desires, fears, values, or past experiences, and propelling the plot forward
- Internal monologues reveal a character's innermost thoughts, feelings, and conflicts, providing insight into their psychological state and decision-making process
- Tragic flaws, also known as fatal flaws, are inherent character weaknesses or shortcomings (hubris, jealousy, ambition) that ultimately lead to their downfall or demise, evoking a sense of tragedy and catharsis in the reader
Character Development and Growth
- trace the development and transformation of characters throughout the story, often involving personal growth, learning from mistakes, or overcoming obstacles
- undergo significant change and growth over the course of the narrative, often as a result of their experiences, relationships, or personal realizations ( in The Odyssey)
- remain largely unchanged throughout the story, serving as a constant presence or foil to the development of other characters (Penelope in The Odyssey)
- are complex and multidimensional, possessing a range of traits, motivations, and internal conflicts that make them relatable and believable to the reader (Achilles in The Iliad)
- are one-dimensional and lacking in complexity, often serving a specific purpose or representing a single trait or idea in the story (Eurycleia in The Odyssey)
Character Types
Archetypal Roles and Functions
- are universal character types or roles that recur across different stories and cultures, embodying fundamental human traits or experiences (hero, mentor, trickster)
- The represents the protagonist who embarks on a journey or quest, facing challenges and obstacles to achieve a goal or personal growth (Odysseus, )
- The is a wise and experienced guide who provides guidance, knowledge, or training to the hero, helping them navigate their journey ( to Odysseus, to Aeneas)
- The is a mischievous and cunning character who challenges the status quo, often through deception or humor, and exposes the flaws or absurdities of society or other characters (, )
Key Terms to Review (23)
Aeneas: Aeneas is a Trojan hero and the central character of Virgil's 'Aeneid', representing the ideal Roman values of duty and piety. He is significant not only for his role in the narrative of the Trojan War but also as the mythological founder of Rome, embodying themes of sacrifice, destiny, and divine influence throughout his journey.
Anchises: Anchises is a significant character in both the Aeneid by Virgil and in Roman mythology, known as the father of Aeneas, the Trojan hero. His role symbolizes the connection between the past and the future, embodying themes of duty, legacy, and the Trojan heritage that Aeneas must uphold as he journeys to establish a new home for his people. Anchises’ presence emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and ancestral influence in shaping Aeneas’ character and mission.
Archetypes: Archetypes are universal symbols, themes, or character types that recur across various literary works, embodying fundamental human experiences and emotions. They help in narrative techniques and character development by providing recognizable patterns that resonate with audiences, allowing for deeper engagement with the story and its characters.
Athena: Athena is the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship, often regarded as a protector of cities and civilization. She plays a crucial role in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, influencing key characters and events, while embodying themes of strategy, intelligence, and justice.
Character Arcs: Character arcs refer to the transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a narrative, showcasing how they evolve in response to the events and conflicts they encounter. These arcs can illustrate personal growth, changes in beliefs, or shifts in relationships, ultimately contributing to the overall themes and emotional depth of the story.
Character motivations: Character motivations refer to the reasons behind a character's actions, decisions, and behaviors within a narrative. These motivations can stem from personal desires, beliefs, societal pressures, or emotional responses, influencing how characters develop over the course of a story. Understanding character motivations is crucial for analyzing narrative techniques, as it shapes the plot and deepens character development.
Cupid: Cupid is the Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged boy or young man with a bow and arrows, which he uses to strike the hearts of mortals and deities alike. His role in epic poetry, particularly in the works of Virgil and Ovid, highlights themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions, which are often portrayed through intricate narrative techniques and character development.
Dynamic Characters: Dynamic characters are individuals in a narrative who undergo significant internal change throughout the story, often in response to events or experiences. This transformation can include shifts in their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, which helps to drive the narrative forward and provides depth to the overall character development.
Flashbacks: Flashbacks are narrative devices that interrupt the chronological flow of a story to provide background information or insights into a character's past. They serve to enrich character development and enhance the overall narrative by revealing crucial experiences that shape characters' motivations and actions.
Flat characters: Flat characters are those who are relatively uncomplicated and do not undergo significant change or development throughout a narrative. They typically embody a single characteristic or trait that defines their role in the story, making them predictable and easily recognizable. In the context of epic poetry, flat characters can serve important functions, such as representing specific themes or archetypes without the complexity found in round characters.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. It serves to build anticipation and tension, often enhancing the overall narrative by creating connections between events and characters as the plot unfolds.
Hermes: Hermes is the Greek god known as the messenger of the gods, associated with transitions and boundaries. He is a multifaceted figure, serving as a guide for souls to the underworld and as a protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves. His role intertwines with human affairs, particularly in shaping the journeys and transformations of key figures, showcasing his influence in both divine and mortal realms.
Hero archetype: The hero archetype is a recurring character model in literature that represents an idealized figure who embodies courage, strength, and virtue. This archetype often embarks on a journey or quest, facing various challenges and adversaries while demonstrating growth and transformation along the way. It serves as a foundational element in narrative techniques and character development, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the protagonist's struggles and triumphs.
Internal monologues: Internal monologues are the thoughts and reflections that characters express to themselves, revealing their inner feelings, motivations, and conflicts. This narrative technique provides a deeper understanding of characters by allowing readers to access their internal struggles and thought processes, making them more relatable and complex.
Mentor archetype: The mentor archetype is a character type that serves as a guide, teacher, or support system for the main character in a narrative. This figure often imparts wisdom, shares skills, or helps the protagonist navigate challenges, playing a crucial role in their development and journey. Mentors can be wise elders, experienced warriors, or even supernatural beings, contributing to the narrative's depth and character evolution.
Multiple perspectives: Multiple perspectives refer to the various viewpoints, interpretations, and experiences that characters can have within a narrative. This technique enriches storytelling by allowing readers to understand different sides of a situation, revealing the complexity of characters and their motivations. By showcasing diverse viewpoints, the narrative can explore themes of conflict, morality, and personal growth in a more nuanced way.
Nonlinear storytelling: Nonlinear storytelling is a narrative technique where events are presented out of chronological order, allowing for a more complex and layered exploration of themes, characters, and emotions. This approach can create a unique experience for the reader, as they piece together the story in a non-traditional format, often revealing connections and motivations that might not be immediately apparent.
Odysseus: Odysseus is the legendary Greek hero of Homer's epic poem, 'The Odyssey,' known for his intelligence, cunning, and resourcefulness. He is celebrated as a complex character who embodies the qualities of an epic hero, navigating immense challenges on his journey home after the Trojan War while exploring themes of identity and human experience.
Parallel narratives: Parallel narratives refer to the technique in storytelling where two or more storylines are told simultaneously or interwoven within a single narrative framework. This approach allows for contrasting themes, character development, and multiple perspectives, enhancing the depth and richness of the overall narrative experience.
Round characters: Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional figures in a narrative, exhibiting a range of emotions, motivations, and traits that evolve throughout the story. They are often portrayed with depth, allowing readers to understand their inner conflicts and development, making them relatable and realistic. This character type contrasts with flat characters, who are more simplistic and do not undergo significant change.
Static Characters: Static characters are those who remain largely unchanged throughout a narrative. Unlike dynamic characters, static characters do not undergo significant internal development or transformation, often serving specific roles in the story. Their consistent traits and behaviors help maintain the narrative's stability and can emphasize the development of other characters.
Tragic flaw: A tragic flaw is a character trait or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This concept is central to the understanding of how individual choices interact with larger forces like fate and divine will, often illuminating the human condition and cultural values. It serves as a key narrative device that showcases the inner struggles of heroes, making them relatable yet flawed, while also emphasizing how their actions resonate with broader themes of destiny and moral responsibility.
Trickster archetype: The trickster archetype represents a character who uses cleverness and wit to challenge the status quo, often breaking rules and conventions in humorous or mischievous ways. This character type serves as a catalyst for change, pushing boundaries and exposing the flaws in society or other characters, which can lead to both chaos and revelation.