Final answer:
The meaning of a narrative is centered around the actions of the characters. These characters, whether in fiction or nonfiction, are the primary drivers of the plot and influence the reader's understanding of the narrative's meaning through their actions, dialogue, and traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of a narrative centers around the actions of the characters. In any narrative, characters play a vital role as they drive the plot and engage with the conflicts presented. For instance, in biblical narratives, characters like Moses and others are essential for unfolding the events and conveying the intended messages. Similarly, in personal narratives, the real people represented by the author will display various traits and behaviors, showcasing different aspects of human experience.
When identifying examples within a narrative to provide details about people, places, things, and events, you might look at:
- Specific actions that characters take and how these actions influence the plot.
- Dialogues and interactions between characters that reveal their personalities.
- The historical and cultural settings that the narrated events are placed in.
As the narrator or author, particularly in narrative nonfiction, you can choose how to present characters by focusing on certain traits and either minimizing or exaggerating others. Doing so helps to bring the characters to life and makes the narrative more engaging. Whether depicting sacred histories or personal experiences, the organization of these elements into a coherent sequence of events is what shapes the ultimate meaning of the narrative.