Narrative Writing:

Realistic Fiction Checklist

Lead: The story starts by establishing the setting
and situation in an engaging way. It grabs the
readers attention by starting with either action,
dialogue, or description. It might include details
that will later be important to the story.
Characterization: The main characters are named
and come alive with conflict, traits, relationships,
desires, and clear challenges they have to
overcome.
Coherent Plot: The story is very well organized
and plausible. One idea follows another in a
logical sequence with clear transitions. The plot is
focused around a character that faces a
challenge, attempts to handle that challenge,
and the results of their attempts. It takes place in
3-5 major scenes.
Organization: The author uses narrative
paragraphs purposefully to clarify when time or
setting changes and/or for dramatic impact. The
sequence of events is clear and makes sense
within the context of the story.
Theme: The author connects pieces of the story in
a way that helps illuminate what the story is
really about. The author brings the story to a
thoughtful end that illuminates one or more
important themes in the story (heart of the
story).
Craft: The author uses specific craft moves (ex.
dialogue, inner thinking, descriptive and/or
figurative language [similes, metaphors,
personification], repetition, word choice, sentence
structure, stretching out moments, etc.) to engage
the reader and bring the story to life.
Revision: The story shows clear evidence of
revision, incorporation of feedback, and awareness
of the reasons the changes helped improve the
story. (Artist Statement)
Grammar and Conventions: Author uses proper
heading and formatting for dialogue and inner
thinking. There is clear evidence of proofreading
for punctuation and careless errors in spelling and
capitalization.

Not Yet

Sometimes

Yes!