Class: Narrative Construction and the Four Questions of the Narrator

This class will cover some of the basic techniques of Western narrative construction, including the goals of the protagonist, blocks to the goals of the protagonist, irreconcilable conflicts, the three act structure (from drama and myth), the difference between plot and subplot. Instruction will draw from the lessons of drama, film scripts and myth. The class will also touch on the four questions of the narrator—Who is the narrator? Whom is the narrator telling the story to? When is the narrator telling the story? Why is the narrator telling the story? The first two questions lead to questions concerning the identity of the writer and audience, which in turn leads to significant issues concerning how the issues of race show up in fiction.

The location of this class is to be determined based on attendance.