Reading a novel can be a daunting prospect; discussing it even more so. Here are some key elements to consider:
The Plot of a Novel
In other words, the story - the events that happen in the book. Sometimes a novel may be allegorical, where the events that occur are simply representative of a wider idea - George Orwell's Animal Farm is a famous example.
Characters and Idiolect
These are the people who feature in the novel. The way in which a writer brings their fictional creation to life is called characterisation, and the best writers will "show" what their character is like rather than simply "tell" the reader. For example, rather than tell us that a character is feeling angry, this could be shown through actions - slamming a door perhaps - or through dialogue with other characters.
The way a character speaks is just as important as what they say. An individual's personal way of speaking is known as their idiolect, and a skilled writer will create a different voice for each person in the novel - you should be able to tell who is speaking just by the words they use. Mannerisms and gestures can also contribute to building up a picture of what someone is like: a character who shouts or speaks aggressively may well be someone to be feared!
First or Third Person Narrator
The narrator is the person who tells the story - not to be confused with the author themselves. A first person narrator is someone involved in the story, and will be recognisable from the use of the first person pronoun "I". This type of narrator can bring a more personal feel to the novel, and allows us to experience the narrator's inner thoughts and feelings, but disadvantages include the possibility of a biased view. Also, a first person narrator will not know the whole story as they can only narrate first hand the events they themselves experience.
A third person narrator is a voice from somewhere outside the story, who describes events and characters using the pronouns "he", "she", "it" and so on. This can make for a more balanced novel, as this type of narrator will often be less biased and can give an overview of everything that happens, but can lead to a more impersonal novel.
Second person narrative in a novel is rare as it is difficult to sustain - this is where the narrator speaks directly to the reader using "you".
Chronological or Flashback?
Many novels have a chronological or linear structure, where the events are presented in the same order as they occurred, starting at the beginning and working through to a logical conclusion. Other novelists may choose to begin at the end of the story, showing the reader a dramatic event from near the plot's conclusion and then going back and filling in the blanks.
An increasingly popular structure is that of the dual-time narrative, where a present day story runs alongside a parallel story from the past. This is a particularly useful structure for historical novelists like Kate Mosse and Emma Darwin, as an event from an earlier period can be brought to life linking it with something or someone more contemporary.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book by a novelist you enjoy, and start thinking about what that writer does that makes them so readable.
Happy reading!
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