Narrative Writing: Tone

Narrative Writing: Tone

Understanding the basics

  • Tone is the author’s attitude or feelings towards the subject in their writing.
  • It differs from mood, which is the overall feeling or atmosphere the text creates for the reader.
  • The tone of a narrative can have a significant impact on how the reader perceives the events, characters, and themes in the story.

Variations in Tone

  • A narrative’s tone could be serious, humorous, sarcastic, ironic, descriptive, analytical, or many others.
  • The tone changes usually to suit the situation or event in the story.
  • A consistent tone allows for a smooth reading experience while sudden changes in tone could provide dramatic effects.

Selecting the Appropriate Tone

  • The choice of tone depends on the purpose of the narrative and the target audience.
  • A scientific narrative tone might be factual and objective, a horror story might have a chilling and suspenseful tone, etc.
  • The tone should be appropriate for the subject matter and setting of the narrative.

Creating Tone through Word Choice and Sentence Structure

  • Tone is often created through the writer’s choice of diction (word choice).
  • Using words that carry specific connotations can help to establish the tone. For instance, using ‘gloomy’ instead of ‘unhappy’ gives a more depressing tone.
  • The sentence structure also contributes to the tone; short, abrupt sentences can create a tense, anxious tone, whereas long, flowing sentences can give a calmer, more reflective tone.

Recognising Tone in Other Texts

  • Being able to detect the tone in other narratives can help you develop this skill in your own writing.
  • Practice by reading different texts and identifying the tone of each.
  • Seek feedback on your own work to ensure the tone is conveying what you intended.

Adjusting Tone Efficiently

  • The tone should evolve with the storyline; it should reflect the emotions and experiences of the characters.
  • A good narrative writer knows when to subtly shift the tone to heighten the mood or highlight a turn in the plot.
  • To shift the tone change the pace of the narrative, introduce new characters, events or settings.