EXAMPLE:
Simple Analogy:
Think of a rollercoaster ride (Narrative):
Exposition = Sitting in the seat, buckling up, and slowly starting the ride.
Rising Action = The slow climb up the track... you're nervous, the suspense builds,
and you know something big is coming!
Narrative Title: Little Red Riding Hood – A Structured
Retelling
This retelling uses more mature language, suitable for IGCSE-level storytelling, and
includes clearly labelled narrative structure points.
EXPOSITION
It was a quiet morning in the countryside, where mist clung to the trees and dew sparkled on
every leaf. A young girl named Red Riding Hood had just packed a small basket of food for
her grandmother, who lived deep in the forest. Her mother warned her gently, “Stay on the
path. Do not talk to strangers.”
Red smiled and nodded, unaware that this journey would test her more than any before.
Purpose:
Introduces main character (Red Riding Hood)
Establishes setting (forest path, early morning)
Gives the initial situation and tone (calm, slightly mysterious)
2. RISING ACTION
As Red walked deeper into the woods, sunlight filtered through the leaves, and birds chirped
softly. Suddenly, from behind a thick tree, a tall, grey wolf appeared. He wore a sly grin.
“Good morning, little girl. Where are you going?” he asked politely.
Forgetting her mother’s warning, Red replied, “To visit my grandmother. She’s ill.”
The wolf's eyes sparkled with wicked intent. “What a kind girl you are,” he said before
slipping silently into the shadows.
Unbothered, Red continued walking—taking a longer scenic path, as she admired the
wildflowers.
Purpose:
Introduces conflict – Red speaks to a dangerous stranger
Tension rises as the reader understands the wolf has bad intentions
Adds suspense: Will something happen before she reaches Grandma?
3. CLIMAX
When Red finally arrived at her grandmother’s house, the door creaked open. “Come in,
dear,” called a raspy voice.
She stepped inside and approached the bed, puzzled. “Grandmother, what big eyes you
have…”
“The better to see you with,” came the reply.
“And what big teeth you have!”
“The better to eat you with!” roared the wolf, leaping out of bed. Red screamed as the wolf
lunged toward her.
Purpose:
The turning point of the story
Tension peaks: Red is in immediate danger
The true identity of the wolf is revealed
4. FALLING ACTION
Just then, a woodcutter nearby heard the scream and rushed into the cottage. With one swing
of his axe, he scared the wolf away and pulled Red to safety. She clung to him, sobbing in
relief.
They searched the house and found Grandma hidden in the wardrobe, frightened but
unharmed.
Purpose:
Shows the outcome of the climax (Red is rescued)
The tension reduces
Characters are safe and the immediate threat is gone
5. RESOLUTION
That evening, Red and h
er grandmother sat side by side, sipping warm soup.
“I’ll never speak to strangers again,” Red promised. “And I’ll always stay on the path.”
The forest outside was quiet once more, and the moon rose over the treetops, lighting a world
that had learned a lesson.
Purpose:
Story ends with reflection and lesson learned
Characters have changed/grown
Brings closure to the story