Beyond Words, What Really Drives A Narrative

By Aadhya Narwadkar

When my grandmother died, she willed me her house on the condition that I not unlock the basement for a month. When I finally did, I discovered that my father had not run away years ago.

Reading the above sentences, one immediately understands what story the author means to convey, even in such few words. This is because a story does not need to contain pages upon pages of text; only a few fundamental factors are required to successfully drive a narrative. At the heart of every narrative lie some simple elements that frame the entire story, and comparing classics with modern literature shows how writers use them differently. This essay will examine how these factors can be manipulated and demonstrate why they are crucial to a narrative. 

To begin with, a well-crafted narrative is like a gourmet dish; the factors act as key ingredients. The first step is to lay out the recipe, which in storytelling is the plot. In the opening story, the plot follows a clear sequence: the grandmother’s will with its condition, the unlocking of the basement, and the shocking discovery. It is a cause-and-effect chain of events with a beginning, climax, and resolution, although a resolution isn’t always necessary, especially with cliffhangers like this. The father, the narrator, and their grandmother are the heart of the story, the characters who provide an emotional anchor to the narrative. Elements like the setting, theme, and the point of view are crucial, but they can be adapted to suit each story’s unique style.

Examining how classic literature employs the elements of a narrative differently from modern literature reveals evolution over the years. Classic literature explores timeless ideas using formal, complex language. By contrast, modern narratives explore contemporary concerns such as identity, mental health, and the impact of technology using a more straightforward conversational tone.  One of the most significant contrasts lies in the narrative structure. Classic literature often used a linear, omniscient narration, whereas modernist and current narrative types explore more experimental structures, like Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway (1925), which adopts the modernist techniques of stream-of-consciousness and narrative fragmentation to explore the interior lives of its characters. (Othman, 2025, p. 106)

21st-century storytelling is rapidly shifting towards fragmented and non-linear narratives.  Digital stories allow the reader to make choices that shape the outcome of a story, much like playing an online game. (Ahamed, 2025) Global issues like war and conflict have profoundly shaped literary themes and landscapes. Works like The Things They Carried (1990) vividly depict the emotional toll of war on soldiers and the trauma and displacement experienced during social unrest. (DE MODE, 2025) Modern readers demand authentic, diverse, engaging stories. As a result, contemporary literature blends genres into new experiences. This shapes characters to be multidimensional and relatable, rather than stereotyped. The narrative structure also adapts to incorporate techniques like multiple perspectives and immersive storytelling. Even the narrative voice and point of view are tailored to challenge readers’ perception. (Bookclb, 2025)

The diverse ways in which these factors are grafted show that they are the most pivotal parts of any piece of literature. Mindful execution of these elements is the key to a perfect narrative. Our changing times push writers to experiment with new ways of telling stories that feel real. Ultimately, it is the balance of these elements that transforms a simple plot into a memorable narrative.

By Aadhya Narwadkar