Descriptive and narrative writing - Creating setting, charac...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to describe and construct settings, develop characters, and establish atmosphere in your descriptive and narrative writing (AO5/AO6). You will be able to select and use precise vocabulary, structural features, and literary techniques to achieve clear, engaging effects. You will write original, focused descriptions or story openings tailored for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1, Question 5.

AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, you must show you can:

• Produce clear and engaging descriptive or narrative writing (AO5)
• Select vocabulary and literary techniques for specific effects (AO5)
• Organise content and structure for maximum impact (AO5)
• Control spelling, punctuation, and grammar for accuracy (AO6)

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, this area covers Paper 1, Section B (Question 5), focusing on creative writing—description and narrative tasks.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Name one technique used to create a vivid setting in descriptive writing. How could it affect the reader?
2. Write a single sentence to introduce a new character, using at least one literary device.
3. How does sentence structure help to create atmosphere in a story opening?
4. List two ways you can build atmosphere in a piece about a stormy night.

Introduction

Descriptive and narrative writing is your chance to show creativity and technical skill in the AQA GCSE English Language exam. Crafting effective settings, developing memorable characters, and establishing atmosphere are essential for gaining high marks on Paper 1, Question 5. This article will show how to plan and write focused, original pieces that impress the examiner with purposeful detail, varied structure, and consistent tone.

Key Term: setting
The place and time in which the events of a story or description occur.

Key Term: character
A person, animal, or figure represented in a narrative or description.

Key Term: atmosphere
The mood or emotional quality created for the reader through details, language, and structural choices.

Creating Setting

Your setting frames the entire piece, providing physical detail and tone. Good writing does not simply list what is seen; it uses vivid sensory language and carefully placed specifics to immerse the reader.

Key Term: sensory language
Language that appeals to one or more of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).

Use precise nouns, adjectives, and metaphors to create strong images, and don’t limit yourself to what is visible. Consider temperature, time of day, sounds, smells, and atmosphere.

Worked Example 1.1

Describe a deserted train station at midnight.

Answer:
The fluorescent lights flickered above cracked tiles, casting shadows that crawled across the empty platforms. Dampness lingered in the air, carrying the faint staleness of old newspapers and diesel fumes. Every footstep echoed, sharp and alone, beneath the watchful yellow glare of the station clock.

Exam Warning

Avoid vague, generic language or cliché phrases ("it was a dark and stormy night"). Use original detail that feels real for the reader.

Building Character

A memorable character is introduced with a detail, habit, or quirk that reveals personality. Show rather than tell—describe appearance, movement, speech, and actions to imply traits.

Key Term: show, don’t tell
A technique where the writer suggests character or mood through actions and description rather than direct statements.

A single, focused image or behaviour is more powerful than a long list of adjectives.

Worked Example 1.2

Write one sentence to introduce an anxious character.

Answer:
Daniel’s fingers fidgeted with the frayed edge of his sleeve as he glanced at the empty hallway, breath caught between hope and dread.

Establishing Atmosphere

Atmosphere controls how your reader feels—tense, lonely, safe, joyful. Every word and sentence structure contributes. Atmosphere is built not only through what you describe, but how you describe it.

Short, abrupt sentences create suspense or unease; longer, flowing sentences can create calm or nostalgia.

Key Term: sentence variety
Changing sentence length and structure to create a particular feeling or effect.

Worked Example 1.3

Write two sentences to create a tense atmosphere as a door slowly creaks open.

Answer:
The brass handle turned with painful slowness. A single, shuddering creak cut through the silence, and every muscle in her body tensed.

Revision Tip

When planning, decide on one key atmosphere (e.g., hope, menace, excitement) and list three details, sounds, or actions that will support this mood. Stick to these as you write.

Practical Techniques for Description and Narrative

• Start in media res (in the middle of action) or with a striking detail to interest your reader immediately.
• Use all five senses to avoid flat, visual-only scenes.
• Select a single viewpoint—either first-person ("I" or "we") or third-person ("he", "she", "they")—and be consistent.
• Vary paragraph and sentence structure for effect.

Key Term: viewpoint
The viewpoint through which the story or description is narrated—first-person or third-person.

Worked Example 1.4

Write a quick opening to a story about a power cut in a busy city.

Answer:
Lights snapped out, plunging the street into sudden blackout. Someone cursed, and for a moment the only sound was the wild heartbeat of car alarms, screeching unseen.

Summary

Create a realistic setting with precise sensory language, introduce character through actions, and build atmosphere with carefully chosen words and varied structure. Planned, original detail brings your writing to life for the examiner and scores highly on AO5 and AO6.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Select vivid sensory language to construct setting.
• Show character through specific actions and behaviour.
• Build and control atmosphere using sentence variety and focused detail.
• Apply literary devices and structure for purposeful effects in narrative or description writing.
• Plan before writing; keep focus on AO5 (content & organisation) and AO6 (technical accuracy).

Key Terms and Concepts

• setting
• character
• atmosphere
• sensory language
• show, don’t tell
• sentence variety
• viewpoint