A narrative writing checklist is a list of key elements to include in a story to ensure it is engaging, well-structured, and complete.
- Story Idea and Theme
- Identify the main theme
- Develop a unique storyline
- Characters
- Create relatable protagonists
- Include well-rounded antagonists
- Develop supporting characters
- Assign distinct traits to each character
- Plot Structure
- Establish a strong beginning
- Insert rising action
- Design the climax
- Develop falling action
- Provide a satisfying resolution
- Setting
- Describe the physical setting
- Establish the time period
- Integrate sensory details
- Connect the setting to the plot
- Dialogue
- Ensure dialogue matches characters
- Avoid info-dumping in dialogue
- Use dialogue to reveal personality
- Language and Style
- Maintain consistent tone
- Vary sentence structure
- Use vivid, descriptive language
- Editing
- Check for grammatical errors
- Eliminate unnecessary words