These so-called rules are prevalent for good reason. Readers read because they want to see the characters, not just be told about them. Unfortunately, this can often cause writers to be leery of including any lengthy narrative in a story.
Will Lengthy Narrative Bore Your Readers?
Her book, which features a narrator who has lived more than a thousand years, includes much backstory and explanation, in which the narrator reveals his extensive history to readers.
Much of this history is dramatized, but much of it includes lengthy narrative, unbroken by dialogue or definable action. In fact, the first half of the first chapter is almost entirely narrative.
At first glance, this may seem to be a major gaffe on the author’s part. Doesn’t she know readers are bored if they have to go more than two paragraphs without somebody talking or doing something?
The Benefit of Compelling Internal Narrative
Brashares, however, obviously knew something else: namely, that, when well done, narrative can be just as interesting as other fictional techniques.
A fascinating character with a lively voice and an interesting story to share can impart information through his narrative that will not only influence action and dialogue to follow, but which will also deepen the scope of the book and enthrall readers.
Of course, the key is doing it well. Like all of fiction, narrative must be vital to the story, or readers will start yawning and cast it aside. But, so long as what your character is telling us is important, we’re likely to stay glued to your page!
