Fiction Elements

General Rubrics

Ratings and Grade Approximations:

1 Minimal Achievement 50-69

2 Satisfactory Achievement 70-89

3 Excellent Achievement 90-100

Narrative Voice (Point of View)

1 Narrative voice is underdeveloped, or lacking in full dimension or wholeness. Narrative voice has only a minimal level of consistency or coherence. Synthesis of other elements of the story—such as narrative arc, character development, setting and dramatic structure. The chosen narrative voice or perspective lacks authority or credibility. (To the degree that the narrator is intended to be unreliable, the means by which such unreliability is rendered are also less than reliable, thereby decisively reducing the effect.)

2 Narrative voice is developed. Narrative voice reaches some degree of consistency or coherence but may not be optimal. Synthesis of other elements of the story—such as narrative arc, character development, setting and dramatic structure—is reasonably accomplished but may contain gaps that somewhat diminish the authority or credibility of the chosen narrative voice or perspective. (To the degree that the narrator is intended to be unreliable, the means by which such unreliability is rendered are themselves sometimes reliable and sometimes not, thereby putting into question the effect. Ha ha.)

3 Narrative voice is fully fleshed out and developed. Narrative voice is consistent and coherent. Synthesis of other elements of the story—such as narrative arc, character development, setting and dramatic structure—aligns meaningfully and potently with the chosen narrative voice or perspective, yielding an authoritative and credible voice. (To the degree that the narrator is intended to be unreliable, the means by which such unreliability is rendered are themselves quite reliable, thereby placing a seal of authenticity on this device and its effect.)

Narrative Arc

1 Narrative arc is underdeveloped. Coherent patterns are underdeveloped. Conflict, complicating elements are neglected so that resolution has little impact or dramatic effect.

2 Narrative arc is developed and coherent but may be underdeveloped in some areas. May lack flow and coherence of some parts. Coherent patterns are developed but may be underdeveloped in some areas. Conflict, complicating elements are developed and resolution is climactic and controlled. May show inconsistency in arc elements.

3 Narrative arc is developed fully. Arc reveals coherent patterns of organization and are fully developed. Conflict, complicating elements are engaging, thoughtfully plotted, and lead to dramatic and coherent climax and resolution.

Character and Character Development

1 Characters are underdeveloped, artless and/or weakly dramatic. Interactions may have potential but dialogue and gesture remain flat and routine. Characters are flat and only partially resolved as agents in the narrative arc. Characters show inconsistent behavior relevant to the story. Characters show potential.

2 Characters are developed but may show inconsistency in their action, art, and purpose. Interactions are sincere but are sometimes prone to inconsistency in their interactions. Characters are dynamic and often resolved as agents in the narrative arc. Characters show consistent behavior relevant to the story. Characters are distinguishable in their roles and behave according to the logic of the story world. Good attention paid to building consistency here. Lower end of this rating shows inconsistencies.

3 Characters are developed fully in their action, art, and purpose. Interactions are lively, indirect and/or otherwise nuanced, and dramatic. Characters are dynamic and resolved as agents in the narrative arc. Characters show consistent and behavior relevant to the story. Characters are distinguishable in their roles and behave according to the logic of the story world. Character study is thoughtful, unique, and powerfully resolved.

Setting / Story World

1 World is under developed, shows some dimension but remains essentially flat. Plays an arbitrary role in the story. Very little aesthetic impact.

2 World is distinct, often shows multidimensional qualities, and plays a role in the story. Makes an aesthetic impact.

3 World is cleverly and distinctly drawn into the logic of the story. World often feels inhabited. Setting is controlled and attention is paid to details and interactions. In some areas, world is inconsistent or gets lost but is mostly written as an agent in the story

Dramatic Structure

1 Structural elements are often arbitrary or incoherent or read as routine transitions. Divisions and sequences are symptomatic of underdeveloped narrative arc, characters, and story world. Events and actions are underdeveloped, routine, or arbitrary in relation to the story premise. Time is treated casually.

2 Structural elements are often coherent and draw interest to the story’s actions and events. Divisions and sequences are developed re the narrative arc, characters, and story world. Some structural elements may be inconsistent against the whole. Events and actions in relation to time are coherent and play a role in the revealing of the story

3 Structural elements show clear, controlled, and thoughtful sense of transition. Divisions and sequences reveal character tensions and conflict development and resolution. Story is dramatically structured. Events and actions weave story development artfully and adhere to the logic of the world.