Narrative & Structure:
* Plot: The sequence of events in the story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
* Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, driving the plot forward.
* Theme: The central idea or message the story explores.
* Character Development: The growth and change of characters throughout the story.
* Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told (first-person, third-person limited, omniscient, etc.).
* Setting: The time and place where the story takes place.
* Pacing: The speed at which the story unfolds, often influenced by panel arrangement and page layout.
* Non-linear storytelling: Graphic novels can use flashbacks, dream sequences, and other techniques to create a non-linear narrative.
Visual Elements:
* Paneling: The arrangement of individual frames on the page, influencing pacing and focus.
* Gutter: The space between panels, used to suggest time, movement, or thought.
* Layout: The overall design of the page, using elements like borders, bleed, and text placement to guide the reader's eye.
* Visual Storytelling: Using visual elements like color, line, shape, and perspective to convey meaning, emotion, and information.
* Character Design: How characters are drawn, their visual appearance conveying personality, mood, and status.
* Backgrounds: Detailing the setting and creating atmosphere.
* Sound effects: Words or symbols used to represent sounds in the story.
* Color: Used to create mood, atmosphere, and symbolize ideas.
Literary Devices:
* Symbolism: Using visual elements or characters to represent abstract concepts.
* Metaphor: Comparing one thing to another to create a deeper meaning.
* Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality, creating humor or tension.
* Foreshadowing: Hints or clues that suggest future events.
* Dialogue: The words spoken by characters, revealing their personalities and relationships.
* Subtext: The unspoken meaning behind words or actions.
* Allusion: References to other works of art, literature, or historical events.
Other Considerations:
* Genre: Graphic novels can encompass various genres, each with its own conventions and expectations (e.g., fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, horror).
* Audience: The intended age and interests of the reader influence the style and content.
* Authorial Style: The unique artistic vision and storytelling approach of the creator.
By effectively combining these elements, graphic novels can create a rich and immersive experience for the reader, engaging both the intellect and the emotions.