A narrative should answer which questions?

• A. Who, what, where, when, why
• B. When, how
• C. What, where, how, why
• D. Who, why, when

Answer: (A)

A narrative should answer the five basic questions that give a complete picture: who is involved, what happened, where it took place, when it occurred, and why it matters or why it happened. Knowing who sets the characters and actions in motion, what describes the events, where pins down the setting, when places the timeline, and why explains the motive or purpose, making the story meaningful. If you only address some of these, crucial pieces fall away and the understanding becomes partial—for example, focusing only on when and how misses the people and the reasons behind the events; focusing only on what and where leaves out time and motive. Including all five ensures a clear, coherent narrative.