Creative Nonfiction: Characters & Literary Devices
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a core element of Creative Nonfiction (CNF)?

  • Complete fabrication (correct)
  • Personal opinion
  • Reportage
  • Extensive research

Flash forward is a literary device where the plot jumps ahead in time.

True (A)

What is the literary element that an author uses to reveal a character’s personality?

characterization

A well-developed character that is complex is also known as a ______ character.

<p>round</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of characterization involves the author explicitly stating a character's traits?

<p>Direct characterization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each literary device to its correct purpose:

<p>Figurative language = Enhances effect by comparing dissimilar things Motif = Recurring element with symbolic significance Imagery = Engages reader with descriptive sensory details Theme = Underlying message or idea</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Creative Nonfiction, what primary role do personal experiences serve?

<p>To create emotional resonance and engage the reader. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Characters in creative nonfiction must be real people.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which narrative voice is most appropriate for an autobiography to create a more intimate feel?

<p>First-person (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before starting the writing process for an autobiography, it's recommended to brainstorm potential compelling life experiences.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in perspective between a biography and an autobiography?

<p>Biography is written in third person, while autobiography is written in first person</p> Signup and view all the answers

After completing the first draft of an autobiography, it is recommended to _________________ before proofreading.

<p>take a break</p> Signup and view all the answers

When writing a biography, which type of source provides firsthand accounts and is generally considered the most reliable?

<p>Primary sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is unnecessary to seek permission from the subject before writing their biography.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be included in the initial paragraph or chapter of a biography?

<p>The biography's thesis statement, outlining what the reader will learn about the subject (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides primary sources, what other type of source can be used when writing a biography, provided the information is accurate?

<p>Secondary sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a listed benefit of keeping a diary?

<p>Financial investment strategies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A memoir aims to document the author's entire life story in chronological detail.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'diary' is derived from the Latin word meaning what?

<p>day</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diary is a regularly kept record of the diarist's activities and _______.

<p>reflection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the diary types with their descriptions:

<p>Academic Diary = Records school-related events, assignments, and reflections Food Diary = Documents meals, recipes, and dietary habits Travel Diary = Chronicles experiences, observations, and reflections during trips Work Diary = Tracks tasks, projects, and professional interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is MOST crucial when choosing a period to write about in your memoir?

<p>Its uniqueness to your personal experience (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Journaling is most effective when strictly adhered to a scheduled time, regardless of external circumstances.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which writing practice is effective for both diary and memoir writing?

<p>Practicing regularly to improve writing skills (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following literary devices involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences?

<p>Anaphora (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that should be interpreted literally.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary functions of dialogue in writing?

<p>moves the action forward; helps to characterize the individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

In metonymy, a word associated with something is used to refer to that thing. For example, the ______ is used to refer to a king or queen.

<p>crown</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following plot structures with their descriptions:

<p>Traditional pyramid = Classic plot structure Inverted pyramid = An unusual structure In medias res = Beginning in the middle of the action Ab ovo = Beginning at the beginning</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which point of view is typically used when writing an autobiography?

<p>First person (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An autobiography is best described as which of the following?

<p>A non-fiction story about someone's life, written from their point of view (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of writing an autobiography, what is the significance of detailing recollections of episodes from your personal and professional life?

<p>To document turning points that define the author's life (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of biography writing, what is the primary purpose of using a timeline?

<p>To organize the major events of a person's life in chronological order. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A biography should strictly adhere to a chronological sequence of events without incorporating flashbacks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Beyond factual narration, what should a biography also include?

<p>The author's analysis, insights, and interpretations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On some level, a motive for all writing is ___________.

<p>self-expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key benefit of journaling?

<p>It helps improve writing ability and develop disciplined writing habits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of prompt with its description.

<p>Narrative = Asks you to tell a story or provide examples from your own experiences. Persuasive = Asks you to convince the reader of a point or course of action. Expository = Asks you to explain or describe a topic or concept.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides improving writing skills and mental health, what is another significant benefit of keeping a journal?

<p>self-discovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

Writing in a journal should always be done at a scheduled time to maintain consistency.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Literary journalism distinguishes itself from traditional journalism by:

<p>Employing storytelling techniques to present true stories in an engaging narrative style. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Literary journalism strictly avoids incorporating the writer's personal perspective or experiences into the narrative.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary tools literary journalists use to build their stories?

<p>Interviews and research</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the 1990s, 'The New Journalism' was rebranded as '______'.

<p>Literary Journalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the POV with its description:

<p>First-Person POV = Places the author in the story as a character. Third-Person Limited POV = Allows readers to immerse themselves in the story through a character's perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended tip for writing literary journalism?

<p>Relying on assumptions to fill in gaps in information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A travelogue exclusively refers to written articles about travel experiences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Tom Wolfe's theory, what major change in novelists paved the way for journalists to explore cultural shifts in the 1960s and 1970s?

<p>Loss of interest in social realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases or sentences.

Assonance

Repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words.

Chiasmus

Repetition of words or phrases in reverse order.

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Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

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Irony

Words used to express something opposite to their literal meaning.

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Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly.

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Autobiography

A nonfiction story of a person's life told from their perspective.

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Chronological Order

A way to structure events in the order they happened in a biography.

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Flashbacks in Writing

Intercutting between different time periods in a biography.

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Journaling

The act of keeping a written record of thoughts and feelings.

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Free Writing

Writing without worrying about grammar or structure to express thoughts.

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Types of Prompts

Questions that initiate writing, like narrative or persuasive prompts.

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Benefits of Journaling

Self-discovery, emotional clarity, and improved mental health through writing.

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Writing Discipline

Developing a consistent writing habit through journaling.

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Writing at Odd Hours

Writing spontaneously during unusual times for creativity.

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Elements of Creative Nonfiction

Fundamental components like fact, research, and personal experience used in CNF.

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Characterization

Methods an author uses to reveal a character's personality.

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Direct Characterization

The author explicitly describes the character's traits.

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Indirect Characterization

Character traits revealed through actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

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Figurative Language

Non-literal expressions that convey deeper meanings.

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Character Types

Characters can be well-developed (round) or two-dimensional (flat).

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Narrative Techniques

Techniques that enhance storytelling, like point of view and symbolism.

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Personal Experience in Writing

Writers share personal insights to engage readers.

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Diary

A diary is a record of daily events and reflections.

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Origin of Diary

The term 'diary' comes from the Latin 'DIARIUM', meaning 'day'.

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Benefits of Keeping a Diary

Diaries help with honesty, reflection, stress relief, and writing practice.

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Types of Diary

Diaries can be academic, food, health, travel, and more.

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Memoir

A memoir is a nonfiction narrative focusing on specific life events.

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Origin of Memoir

The word 'memoir' comes from French for 'memory'.

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Focus of Memoir

Memoirs explore specific periods or themes in a person's life.

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Unique Life Events

Strong memoirs cover unique, personal life experiences.

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Unique Title

A title for your autobiography that stands out rather than being generic.

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First-Person Narrative

Writing in a personal voice, using 'I' to create intimacy.

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Brainstorming

The initial step to collect significant life experiences for your autobiography.

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Outline Crafting

Organizing your brainstormed experiences into a narrative structure.

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Research in Writing

Gathering contextual information to enrich your life story.

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Proofreading

Reviewing your draft for errors after taking a break.

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Biography

A detailed account of someone's life written in third person.

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Primary Sources

Firsthand accounts about a person's life used for biographical research.

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Literary Journalism

A style of reportage that tells true stories using narrative techniques.

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Types of Literary Journalism

Includes personal essays, travel writing, and long-form journalism.

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First-Person POV

A narrative style placing the author as a character in the story.

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Third-Person Limited POV

A narrative style that immerses readers through limited perspectives.

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Tasks of Literary Journalists

Investigate, profile, and report while using engaging writing.

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History of Literary Journalism

First recognized as 'new journalism' in the 1960s, later rebranded.

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Tips for Writing Literary Journalism

Use scene construction, record dialogue, edit thoughtfully, and ask questions.

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Travelogue

A form of media recounting travel experiences.

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Study Notes

Week 1: Principles, Elements, Techniques, and Devices Used in Creative Nonfiction

  • Characters are fundamental to storytelling and can be people, animals, creatures, or inanimate objects.
  • Characters evolve throughout the story, shaped by the author's writing and reader interpretation.
  • Characters can be well-developed (round) or two-dimensional (flat).
  • Characterization refers to how authors reveal a character's personality.
  • Direct Characterization explicitly describes the character.
  • Indirect Characterization reveals traits through actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
  • Common character traits include honest, light-hearted, leader, expert, and brave.

Literary Devices and Techniques Used by Writers in Creative Nonfiction

  • Character/s: Essential for creating a narrative.
  • Detail: Adds depth to descriptions.
  • Dialogue: Conveys character and advances plot.
  • Diction: Word choice affects tone and style.
  • Figurative Language: Uses non-literal expressions (metaphors, similes, etc.)
  • Flashback: Introduces past events.
  • Flash Forward: Shows future events.
  • Foreshadowing: Hints at future events.
  • Imagery: Creates vivid sensory details.
  • Motif: recurring element that develops theme.
  • Narrative: The story's structure and organization.
  • Order: Sequence of events in the narrative
  • Plot and Plot Structure: The arrangement of events and actions that make up a story.
  • Point of View: Perspective from which the story is recounted.
  • Setting and Atmosphere: Context of the narrative (time and place).
  • Style: Author's unique writing techniques and choices.
  • Symbol: Represents something beyond its literal meaning.
  • Theme: Central message or idea explored in the story.
  • Tone: Author's attitude toward the subject matter.

Week 2: Literary Elements

  • Literary elements enhance a piece of writing, adding character and surprise.
  • These elements are crucial for engaging readers and enriching storytelling experience.
  • Personal experiences are shared through journals, memoirs, or autobiographies to connect with readers.

Week 3: Exploring Autobiographies

  • Autobiographies are nonfiction stories about a person's life, written from their perspective.
  • Autobiographies use "I" to tell the story.
  • Autobiographies document periods of the author's life.

6 Essential Elements of Autobiography

  • Description of personal origin story, including family history.
  • Significant experiences that shaped your view of the world.
  • Detailed recollections of episodes from life (turning points).
  • A personal story of failure.
  • A compelling title that distinguishes the work.
  • A first-person narrative voice.

Week 4: What is Biography and Autobiography?

  • Biography: A detailed third-person account of another person's life.
  • Purpose of Biography: To share another person's life with an audience; the subject's story may be interesting or relevant to life today.
  • Tips for Writing a Biography: Get permission, research thoroughly, develop a thesis, create a timeline, use flashbacks, include personal thoughts.

Week 5: Journaling

  • Journaling is a written record of thoughts, feelings, or observations.
  • Effective for self-discovery, improving writing skills, and developing writing habits.

Week 6: Diary

  • A diary is a specific journal often chronicling daily events.
  • Diaries offer a detailed account of the diarist's activities and reflections.

Week 7: Memoir

  • A memoir is a non-fiction book that retells a period in the author's life, not necessarily the entire life story.
  • Memoirs focus on specific events or themes rather than a comprehensive account.

Week 8: Literary Journalism

  • Literary journalism combines journalistic accuracy with literary techniques, such as scenes, characterization, description, dialogue, etc. to create a powerful story.
  • Literary journalism is focused reporting and is distinguished by creativity and artistic style.
  • Literary Journalism is sometimes called narrative journalism or literature of fact.

Week 10: Travelogue or Travel Writing

  • Travelogues are narratives about travel experiences.
  • They use literary devices and a coherent narrative for storytelling, extending beyond basic logging of dates and events found in travel journals.

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