The Oasis - Mastering Narrative Writing - The Hero's Journey

This lesson introduces students to the concept of story arcs, and how they are used to create intrigue and interest in the audience. Students consider their favourite stories and the story arc that is followed by those stories. Students then consider a story arc diagram and in small groups, apply their understanding by plotting the story arc of Tommy throughout THE OASIS, focusing specifically on his actions and emotions. Students then use quotes and images from THE OASIS to visually represent the arc of Tommy’s story, and recognise that in overcoming the obstacles he faces throughout his life, he is an everyday hero.

Note: This lesson can be referred to when the social action section of the unit is reached – when students take social action they will use the concept of a story arc to encourage others to care about their action. They will use their knowledge and understanding of a story arc to create their own around their social action project. The empathy that students practise during this lesson will guide their approach in their social action project.

Key ideas to explore:

• Authors can use a formula to create a story about a character.
• Heroes and what they have to overcome aren’t always the same.
• A story arc can change the way that an audience interprets a message.