Paragraphs

This section explains Paragraphs and how to use them when writing fiction. A paragraph is a collection of sentences that are all connected to a specific topic or idea. Each paragraph focuses on one main point, helping the reader follow the flow of your writing. Paragraphs are essential for organising your thoughts and guiding your reader through the structure of your work, whether it is a story, essay, or article. For example, in the opening of The Hunger Games, the first paragraph centres around the narrator, Katniss, waking up and realising that her sister, Prim, is missing. The descriptions of the bed, Katniss’ thoughts about Prim, and the reference to bad dreams are all tightly linked, working together to set the scene and introduce the conflict.

In fictional writing, paragraphs play a crucial role in moving the reader through the narrative. They indicate shifts in time, place, topic, or character, making it easier for the reader to follow the plot and engage with the story.

When Should I Start a New Paragraph?

In writing, paragraphs act as signposts that guide the reader through the structure of your text. A new paragraph often signals a shift in one of the following aspects:

TiPToP

To help remember when to start a new paragraph, you can use the acronym TiPToP, which stands for:

• T – Time:
  Start a new paragraph when there is a change in time. This could be a jump forward in time, such as a few hours later, or a flashback to an earlier time.
  Example:
  Later that afternoon, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets.
  By shifting to a new time, you help the reader understand that something different is happening or that time has passed in the story.
• P – Place:
  When the setting changes, begin a new paragraph. This makes it clear to the reader that the scene is shifting to a new location, whether it’s within the same chapter or between different parts of the story.
  Example:
  They left the quiet village behind and travelled for hours through the dense forest, the trees towering above them.
  Here, we move from the village to the forest, which requires a new paragraph to show the change in place.
• To – Topic:
  If you change topic or start a new piece of action, it’s time for a new paragraph. This could be when you shift from describing a character to describing an event, or when you introduce a new idea in an essay or story.
  Example:
  The sun had barely risen, and already he could hear the distant sounds of traffic. He adjusted his tie, preparing for another day at work.
  After describing the setting in the first sentence, the paragraph shifts to a new topic: the character’s morning routine.
• P – Person:
  Begin a new paragraph when the focus shifts to a different character, or when someone new speaks in dialogue. This helps the reader keep track of who is being referred to or speaking.
  Example:
  “I don’t think we should go,” Maria said, her voice trembling.
  John shook his head. “It’s our only chance. We have to try.”
  Each change in speaker requires a new paragraph to avoid confusion and make the dialogue clearer.

How Can I Use Paragraphs for Dramatic Effect?

Paragraphs can be strategically used to heighten drama and draw attention to important moments in a story. A short, sharp paragraph can be used to build tension or emphasise a turning point in the narrative.

For example, a single-sentence paragraph can create suspense and make the reader pause, adding weight to the event that is happening. The brevity of the paragraph draws attention to the moment, making it stand out.

Example:
The door slammed shut.

This single sentence paragraph is impactful because of its simplicity and its suddenness. The reader is likely to pause, wondering why the door slammed, and this moment draws attention to the action, heightening the suspense.

Another way to use paragraphs for dramatic effect is to break up a significant scene into smaller, sharper paragraphs. This can create a feeling of rapid movement, urgency, or confusion.

Example:
She ran.
Faster.
Faster than she had ever run before.
The footsteps behind her grew louder.

The short paragraphs here make the action feel fast-paced and intense, as though the reader is running alongside the character.

In contrast, longer paragraphs can be used to slow down the action and allow for reflection or detailed description, building atmosphere or giving the reader time to absorb the significance of the moment.

By carefully structuring your paragraphs and knowing when to switch topics, time, or location, you can effectively manage the pacing of your writing, ensuring that dramatic moments are highlighted and that the narrative flows smoothly for the reader.

Example of Using Paragraphs to Create Dramatic Effect

Consider the following passage, where a character receives shocking news:

Sarah’s phone rang, the screen displaying a message she wasn’t ready to see.

She stared at the words for a moment, her fingers trembling.

Your mother has passed away.

A lump formed in her throat. Her vision blurred.

The world around her seemed to shift, becoming distant, unimportant.

No…

Her body shook with disbelief.

Here, the short paragraphs, especially the single sentence ones, create an emotional build-up and heighten the dramatic impact of the revelation. Each new paragraph allows Sarah’s reaction to be felt more acutely by the reader, gradually intensifying the emotional weight of the scene.