〈Novel Structure, Narration, Rhetoric, and Psychological Analysis〉–– Introduction to International Novel Works and Theoretical Analysis (Volume I) 2


Part I – Introduction to Novel Creation Methodology    

Part One, Chapter Two
“Narratology of the Novel”

I. Definition

Novel narratology is the study of narrative methods, structures, and techniques in novels. It explores how narrators, narrative perspectives, temporal arrangements, narrative layers, and textual strategies affect readers’ understanding and experience of the story. Combining narrative theory and literary analysis, it emphasizes the importance of “how to tell a story.”

II. Narrative Person and Perspective (Omniscient, Limited, Objective)

(A) Classification and Features of Narrative Person

1. First-Person Perspective (“I”)
   Features:

• The narrator is a participant in the story, possibly the protagonist, an observer, or a minor character.
• Strong emotional presence, conveying the narrator’s subjective experience and establishing a close connection with the reader.
• Limitation: The narrator can only describe what they see or know, which may result in incomplete, distorted, or unreliable narration.

Suitable genres:
Coming-of-age stories, psychological realism, detective fiction.

Examples:

• The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger): Holden narrates his inner struggles and loneliness in the first person.
• The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald): Narrated by Nick Carraway, providing a first-person observer perspective.

1. Second-Person Perspective (“You”)
   Features:

• Directly addresses the reader or a hypothetical “you,” creating intimacy with the story.
• Highly experimental and immersive.

Suitable genres:
Metafiction, philosophical texts.

Examples:

• If on a winter’s night a traveler (Italo Calvino): The reader becomes the protagonist, experiencing the story.
• The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry): Certain passages directly address the reader.

1. Third-Person Perspective (“He/She”)
   Features:

• The narrator does not participate in the story and can flexibly describe multiple characters or broader settings.
• Can be subdivided based on the narrator’s “knowledge” into omniscient, limited, or objective perspectives.

Suitable genres:
Ensemble stories, epic narratives.

Examples:

• War and Peace (Leo Tolstoy): A typical omniscient third-person perspective presenting a grand setting and multiple characters.

(B) Types and Characteristics of Narrative Perspective

1. Omniscient Perspective
   Definition:
   The narrator acts like an “all-seeing eye,” freely entering any character’s mind, knowing all events and emotions, and even predicting the future.

Features:

• Can freely shift focus between characters, showing multiple story layers.
• Narrator may “step out of the story” to comment philosophically or morally (used frequently by Tolstoy, Dickens, etc.).

Advantages:

• Provides comprehensive information, facilitating complex or large-scale narratives.

Disadvantages:

• Too many perspectives may dilute thematic focus.

Examples:

• War and Peace (Tolstoy): The narrator presents the inner thoughts of multiple characters during the same event.
• Les Misérables (Victor Hugo): Uses omniscient perspective to narrate Jean Valjean and other characters’ fates and emotions.

1. Limited Omniscient / Over-the-Shoulder Perspective
   Definition:
   The narrator focuses only on one (or a few) character(s), presenting only what that character knows or experiences.

Features:

• Combines the intimacy of first-person with the broader view of third-person.
• Maintains suspense and realism, as narration is constrained by the character’s perception.

Advantages:

• Enhances reader immersion in a character’s experience.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to one character’s perspective, making it harder to explore others’ psychology.

Examples:

• Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling): Mostly from Harry’s perspective, showing his adventures.
• The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne): Focuses on Hester’s thoughts and actions to reveal human and moral struggles.

1. Objective / Limited Perspective
   Definition:
   The narrator acts like a camera, objectively describing events without entering characters’ inner worlds.

Features:

• Records only actions, dialogue, and external behavior, without psychological analysis or moral judgment.
• Increases realism and allows readers space for imagination.

Advantages:

• Neutral, detached viewpoint; effective for suspense or tension.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of inner description may reduce emotional depth.

Examples:

• The Killer (Ernest Hemingway): Uses objective narration for a simple, stark story.
• The Stranger (Albert Camus): Objective tone narrates Meursault’s life, emphasizing existential absurdity.

Summary & Comparison

Person / Perspective	Features	Examples
First-Person	Strong immersion, experiential, emotionally rich, limited information	The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby
Second-Person	Direct address, immersive, experimental, rare	If on a winter’s night a traveler
Third-Person Omniscient	Comprehensive, flexible, philosophical commentary	War and Peace, Les Misérables
Third-Person Limited	Focus on specific characters, realism and suspense combined	Harry Potter, The Scarlet Letter
Third-Person Objective	Detached observation, no inner access, realistic and tense	The Killer, The Stranger

Creators should flexibly choose narrative person and perspective based on the novel’s theme and storytelling goals, maximizing alignment between reader emotion and textual intent.

III. Plot Structure Analysis

1. Introduction / Beginning
   Definition:
   The story’s starting point, establishing setting, characters, and initial conditions.

Objectives:

• Capture reader interest and set emotional tone.
• Hint at central themes.

Elements:

• Setting: Time, place, and world context (realistic, fantasy, or historical).
• Character introduction: Protagonists, secondary characters, and their relationships.
• Inciting Incident: An event that disrupts the status quo and propels the story.

Example:
A lonely boy receives a mysterious letter, hinting at a hidden secret.

1. Development
   Definition:
   The protagonist takes action to address the changes caused by the inciting incident.

Objectives:

• Build suspense and tension.
• Deepen character relationships and conflicts.

Elements:

• Secondary conflicts: Subplots or tasks that drive the main plot.
• Emotional deepening: Background and internal conflicts.

Example:
The boy discovers he is not ordinary, but descended from a secret clan.

1. Turning Point
   Definition:
   A critical stage where plot direction changes, often involving difficult decisions.

Objectives:

• Shift character goals and increase challenges.
• Prepare for the climax.

Elements:

• Unexpected events: Revelations or plan failures.
• Crucial choice: Decisions that cannot be avoided, often with consequences.

Example:
The boy’s exploration angers enemies of his clan, forcing a choice between restraint and rebellion.

1. Conflict
   Definition:
   The protagonist faces the greatest challenges, external pressures, and internal tests of will.

Objectives:

• Strengthen growth or determination.
• Provide emotional tension and prelude to climax.

Elements:

• Internal conflict: Desire vs. fear.
• External confrontation: With antagonist or environment.

Example:
The boy’s choice leads to an attack on the clan, filling him with guilt as enemies approach.

1. Climax and Suspense
   Definition:
   The pivotal moment where the protagonist confronts final challenges; reader tension peaks.

Objectives:

• Resolve or confirm major plot issues.
• Establish core themes or values.

Elements:

• Final confrontation: Usually protagonist vs. main antagonist.
• Suspense: Delayed resolution keeps readers engaged.

Example:
The boy faces the enemy leader while questioning the clan’s secrets, needing to overcome fear and uncover truth.

1. Resolution and Twist / Cliffhanger
   Definition:
   The story’s conclusion, summarizing character development and themes while possibly introducing new questions.

Objectives:

• Resolve suspense and satisfy readers (not necessarily a happy ending).
• Provide closure or growth for the protagonist/world.

Elements:

• Problem resolution: Character achieves goals or grows despite failure.
• Twist/foreshadowing: Introduces new questions or deeper thought.

Example:
After defeating the enemy, the boy discovers a secret that redefines his mission, leaving a prophetic cliffhanger.

Techniques:

• Interweaving timelines (flashbacks, non-linear sequences).
• Multi-threaded plots to increase complexity and thematic depth.
• Psychological narration to enhance inner conflict.
• Symbolic mini-scenes post-climax to elevate emotional impact.

This structure can be adapted by genre (fantasy, suspense, romance) to emphasize specific stages as needed.

IV. Case Study: Plot Structure of Twilight

Twilight, by American author Stephenie Meyer, is a fantasy romance series following human teenager Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen, depicting their cross-species love story. The series includes Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to the perpetually rainy Forks to live with her father Charlie, allowing her mother Renee freedom with her new husband. At her new school, Bella is drawn to the mysterious and handsome Edward Cullen. As their relationship develops, she discovers Edward and his family are vampires. Despite dangers and challenges, their bond deepens. Bella also forms a close friendship with werewolf Jacob Black, navigating complex feelings and threats from rival vampires. Ultimately, Bella and Edward overcome challenges together.

The series combines vampire lore, werewolf legends, high school life, suspense, and a tragic-romantic core theme. Since its 2005 publication, it has sold over 100 million copies and been adapted into a commercially successful film series.

Plot Structure Analysis of Twilight

1. Introduction / Beginning

• Setting: Bella moves to Forks, lives with her father; dislikes the rainy environment but stays for her mother’s freedom.
• Main event: Bella enrolls in a new school and notices the Cullen family, especially Edward.
• Inciting incident: During chemistry class, Edward appears cold and distant. Later, a parking lot incident reveals his supernatural strength, sparking Bella’s curiosity.

1. Development

• Relationship progression: Edward gradually approaches Bella, hinting at his uncontrollable danger. Bella investigates the Cullen family, suspecting their true identity.
• Truth discovery: Bella learns Edward and his family are vampires; they are mutually attracted despite risks.
• Connection to werewolves: Bella meets Jacob Black, who shares local Native American vampire legends.

1. Turning Point

• Bella and Edward are noticed by the vampire trio. James, a tracker vampire, targets Bella for her humanity.
• Edward and the Cullen family plan her protection, but James lures Bella away. Bella must confront him alone to protect her mother.

1. Conflict

• Core conflict: Bella is hunted by James, life-threatening danger ensues.
• Psychological conflict: Bella contemplates her future with the vampire world.
• Cullen family dilemma: Must suppress their vampiric instincts and work together to defeat James.

1. Climax and Suspense

• Bella is seriously injured by James; vampire venom spreads in her body.
• Edward and the Cullen family arrive just in time; Edward suppresses his thirst and removes the venom orally, saving Bella.
• Suspense: Bella desires to become a vampire, setting up future plotlines.

1. Resolution and Twist / Cliffhanger

• Bella and Edward restore calm and attend the school prom together.
• Bella hints at wanting to become a vampire; Edward does not clearly agree, leaving their future uncertain.
• Foreshadowing: James’ companion Victoria survives and plans revenge, setting up New Moon.

Overall Analysis:

• Balanced plot design: Romantic and suspenseful elements are integrated, tension escalates with Bella’s engagement in the vampire world.
• Climax and twist: Peak tension occurs during the rescue and confrontation with James; suspense persists regarding Bella and Edward’s future.
• Foreshadowing and continuation: Bella’s desire to become a vampire and Victoria’s revenge provide continuity for the series.

This analysis demonstrates how Twilight combines fantasy romance with action and suspense elements.