Sober Philosophy: Narrative (Mark presents)

### Definition of Narrative

A narrative is a way of presenting a sequence of events, experiences, or ideas in a structured story form. It usually has:
• Characters – people, animals, or entities involved.
• Setting – where and when it happens.
• Plot – the sequence of events, including a beginning, middle, and end.
• Conflict or tension – a challenge or problem that drives the story.
• Resolution – how the conflict or tension is resolved.
Narratives are not limited to fiction; they can be personal stories, historical accounts, or even organizational reports that tell a story about data or events.

Example of a Narrative
Title: The Lost Letter
• Setting: A small town, 1950s.
• Characters: Anna, a young girl; Mr. Thompson, an old postman.
• Plot:
◦ Beginning: Anna finds an old, unopened letter in her attic.
◦ Middle: She tries to deliver it to the intended recipient, but the person has moved away.
◦ Conflict: Time is running out; Anna fears the letter might be lost forever.
◦ Resolution: Mr. Thompson helps her track down the recipient, who is now an elderly neighbor. The letter brings tears and joy, reconnecting old friends.
This is a concise narrative showing structure and flow.

How to Write a Narrative
Here’s a simple process:
1. Choose your story: Decide whether it’s real or imagined.
2. Define characters and setting: Give readers a sense of who and where.
3. Establish a problem or conflict: This creates interest and drives the story.
4. Develop the plot: Build events logically, leading to a climax.
5. Provide a resolution: Wrap up the story, showing consequences or lessons.
6. Use descriptive language: Engage senses (sight, sound, touch) to make the narrative vivid.
7. Consider perspective: First-person (“I”), second-person (“you”), or third-person (“he/she/they”).

Symptom-free people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing.

We begin the discussion at 1:00 pm sharp in the mezzanine above the lobby of the Graduate Hotel in Seattle's University District. Feel free to come up to 30 minutes early and hang out with us beforehand.

OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (ORF):

1. The topic presenter begins the discussion by explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it.
2. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter describes their general thoughts on the topic.
3. If one is not ready to speak they can just say “pass” and the next person speaks.
4. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to comment.
5. Once everyone has given opening remarks or passed twice, Opening Roundtable is completed and the meeting shifts into its main format.

TIMED DIRECTION FORMAT (TDRF>4):
If there are more than 4 people present we will use the format below.

1. We will divide up the timed direction discussion time by the number of participants plus one (for a buffer). A timer will be set for this amount of time.
2. Each participant in turn will become a Discussion Director and lead the group discussion.
3. If one is not ready to direct they dimply say “pass” and the next person becomes the Discussion Director.
4. Anyone who arrives after step 1 (above), may participate but will not get a turn as Discussion Director.
5. The Discussion Director can make statements or ask questions, or interrupt or redirect the discussion at their discretion.
6. The discussion participants can state their own opinions only when asked by the Discussion Director, not Interrupt others and accede to the Discussion Director’s interruptions or redirections.
7. When the timer goes off the person speaking finishes their thought and then the next participant clockwise becomes the next Discussion Director.
8. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to direct.

At the end of the meeting, participants will have an opportunity to vote on the topic and format for the following meeting.