Purpose � Interest reader. and capture the attention of the ◦ You have to captivate from the start or your reader will lose interest. � Orient the reader ◦ From the start readers should understand the point of view and tone of the narrative. ◦ Readers should also be introduced to a main character. ◦ Start with something significant – explanation of the problem or situation, or an observation.
Captivate! � Read the introductions on the handout and take notes on the varying strategies each author uses to captivate.
To Captivate… � Use tense dialogue � Include vivid description � Start with an action (big or small) � Ask the reader a question (depending on tone/ POV) � Resist the urge to give too much background information – reveal what the reader needs to know throughout the story – starting with summary can lose the reader’s attention.
Orient! � Reread the provided introductions and explain how they orient the reader to the point of view, tone, problem, characters, or narrator.
To Orient… � Be subtle, don’t summarize. � Mention locations/ time periods. � Reveal just enough about your characters. � Foreshadow or hint at the problem.
Practice � Draft two potential introductions for your narrative, trying out multiple strategies for captivating and orienting. � Have a partner read both and discuss which one is more effective.