So you want to master narrative devices?
Think about the storytelling moments that made you lean forward in your seat: the foreshadowing in The Sixth Sense that you only caught on rewatch. The unreliable narrator in Gone Girl who made you question everything. The frame narrative in The Princess Bride that added layers of meaning. The flashback structure of Arrival that recontextualized the entire story.
Far from being accidents, they're deliberate narrative choices and techniques that guide how readers experience your story, when they learn information, what they trust, and how they feel. Each one has its own logic, its own risks, and its own rewards when used effectively.
You've probably encountered these devices as a reader and instinctively understand their power. The next step is learning to use them deliberately as a writer. That's why we created this collection of narrative device templates: to help you understand the mechanics of sophisticated storytelling techniques, recognize when to use them, and execute them effectively in your own work.
Get access to every narrative device template you'll ever need
Our narrative device templates cover everything from conflict to theme. Each template helps you figure out when to use it, how to execute it effectively, and what mistakes to avoid. Here's a sneak peak of what's inside.
The Conflict Template
What you can do with it: You wouldn't want your characters to reach those goals in a span of a few pages, right? This Conflict template can help you keep track of your evolving conflict.
- What is the central conflict of the story? Write it in 1-2 sentences, as if pitching it to a producer or editor.
- What would happen to the character(s) if the conflict isn't resolved?
- What is the first obstacle the protagonist faces related to the conflict?
- How does this obstacle push the protagonist to take action?
- How does the protagonist's approach to the conflict change?
- What is the protagonist's "All Is Lost" moment?
- What personal growth or change occurs as a result?
The Theme Template
What you can do with it: Develop a theme that captures the moral or emotional core of your story — and make sure you get the message across to readers.
- If your theme were a question rather than a statement, what would it be?
- How is the plot structured around the central theme?
- What key scenes best illustrate your theme in action?
- How does the resolution reflect your final stance on the theme?
- How do conflicts reveal differing perspectives on the theme?
- How do character relationships explore the theme?
- What symbols will you use to reiterate the theme?
The Symbolism Template
What you can do with it: Use this Symbol template to flesh out the significance of your symbol — and plan how to get it across to your readers.
- What form does the symbol take?
- What abstract idea does the symbol represent?
- How does the symbol reinforce the story's theme?
- What emotional impact do you want the symbol to have on the reader?
- How do characters interact with or react to the symbol throughout the plot?
Execute your narrative devices effectively, step by step
Narrative devices are powerful—but they're also easy to misuse. The difference between narrative devices that elevate your story and ones that sink it often comes down to a few key principles.
- Purpose over cleverness. Before you commit to an unreliable narrator or complex frame structure, ask: does this technique genuinely serve my story, or am I just trying to show off? The best narrative devices feel invisible in service of the story — readers notice the emotional impact, not the mechanics.
- Set up what you'll pay off. Foreshadowing without payoff frustrates readers. Flashbacks that don't change how we see the present feel like detours. Frame narratives where the outer story doesn't matter feel pointless. Every narrative device makes a promise to readers — make sure you deliver.
- Don't confuse mystery with confusion. Unreliable narrators should make readers question and re-evaluate, not just feel lost. Non-linear timelines should create revelation, not chaos. If test readers are confused about what's happening (not intrigued by why), your technique isn't working.
- Start with the basics. It's tempting to combine multiple techniques — fragmented timeline plus unreliable narrator plus frame narrative. But each device adds complexity and risk. Master one at a time before you layer them together.
What makes Reedsy’s templates different
Most guides to narrative techniques either stay too theoretical, or too prescriptive.We designed these templates to live in the useful middle ground. Each one is focused, intentional, and designed to fit naturally into your writing workflow. They’re all also integrated into Reedsy Studio, where you'll find an entire ecosystem to strengthen your writing: tools and resources that help you work better, faster, and stronger.
Beyond the template, Studio provides:
- A full universe of planning templates—character, worldbuilding, story structure, scene planning, timelines, and more
- Seamless integration between all templates and your manuscript
- Full-featured manuscript editor for drafting and revision
- Automatic saving and cross-device syncing
- Export options in multiple formats
- Collaboration tools for writing partners
- Distraction-free writing environment
And of course, these narrative device templates are lovingly built for authors, by authors.
So what are you waiting for? Start creating narrative devices today.
