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Narrative Techniques Worksheet

This document provides an exercise focused on enhancing narrative writing through three techniques: character ticks that escalate during climactic moments, stronger transitions to replace weak ones, and the use of short, choppy sentences to create suspense. It includes tasks for practicing these techniques, such as identifying character ticks, rewriting sentences with improved transitions, and transforming longer sentences into suspenseful fragments. The final challenge encourages the application of all three techniques in a cohesive scene.

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Sarah Shariq
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32 views4 pages

Narrative Techniques Worksheet

This document provides an exercise focused on enhancing narrative writing through three techniques: character ticks that escalate during climactic moments, stronger transitions to replace weak ones, and the use of short, choppy sentences to create suspense. It includes tasks for practicing these techniques, such as identifying character ticks, rewriting sentences with improved transitions, and transforming longer sentences into suspenseful fragments. The final challenge encourages the application of all three techniques in a cohesive scene.

Uploaded by

Sarah Shariq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Narrative Techniques: Character Ticks, Transitions & Short Sentences

### **Objective:**
In this exercise, you will practice three techniques that enhance your narrative writing:
1. **Character Ticks & Climax Explosion** - Small habits that escalate in crucial moments.
2. **Strong Transitions** - Replacing weak transitions like "suddenly" with stronger alternatives.
3. **Short, Choppy Sentences** - Creating suspense and heightened emotion.

---

## **PART 1: Character Ticks & Climax Explosion**


A **character tick** is a small, repeated action that reflects personality. When emotions build up, this
tick can explode into a major action.

### **Task:**
1. Choose a character and give them a **tick** (e.g., tapping a pen, rubbing hands).
2. Write **two sentences** showing the tick subtly.
3. Write **three sentences** where the tick **escalates into a climax**.

**Example:**
*"Nina twisted her bracelet around her wrist. It was something she always did when she was
nervous."*
*"Her fingers moved faster. The bracelet tangled. She yanked at it, frustration boiling over."*

**Now, write your own:**

**Character's Tick:** ___________________________________________________________

**Subtle Introduction:**
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________

**Climax Explosion:**
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________

---

## **PART 2: Stronger Transitions (Replacing 'Suddenly')**


Transitions guide the reader smoothly between events. Using **varied transitions** strengthens your
writing.

### **Task:**
Rewrite the following sentences by replacing **"suddenly"** with a **stronger transition** (e.g., *In
an instant, Out of nowhere, Just then*).

1. Suddenly, the lights went out.


**Your Rewrite:** ___________________________________________________________

2. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed outside.


**Your Rewrite:** ___________________________________________________________

3. Suddenly, she felt someone watching her.


**Your Rewrite:** ___________________________________________________________

4. Suddenly, the car in front screeched to a stop.


**Your Rewrite:** ___________________________________________________________

---

## **PART 3: Short, Choppy Sentences for Suspense**


Short sentences **slow down** a moment, making it feel intense.

### **Task:**
Rewrite the sentence below into **3-5 short sentences** to create suspense.
**Example:**
- **Before:** *She heard footsteps behind her as she walked home.*
- **After:** *Footsteps. Behind her. Too close. She turned. Nothing.*

**Sentence to Rewrite:**
*"He felt something was wrong."*

**Your Rewrite:**
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________

---

## **FINAL CHALLENGE: Apply All Three Techniques**


Write a **5-6 sentence suspenseful scene** that includes:
* A **character tick that escalates**
* At least **one strong transition**
* At least **two short, choppy sentences**

**Your Scene:**
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

---

### **PAIR & SHARE:**


1. Exchange work with a classmate.
2. Identify the **character tick, transition, and short sentences** in their writing.
3. Discuss: *Which part was most effective? How did it build suspense?*

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