Analysis of narrative texts written by 7th grade students in terms of genre and character features

The aim of this study is to examine the narrative texts written by 7th-grade students in terms of genre and character traits. The study employs a qualitative research method. The narrative texts written by 7th-grade students, which constitute the data source of the study, were evaluated through document analysis. The study materials consist of narrative texts written by 7th-grade students attending eight middle schools in the central district of Lüleburgaz, Kırklareli, during the 2023–2024 academic year, representing public middle schools in the region. In collecting and analyzing the data, the Story Writing Form, Story Evaluation Form, Character Traits Classification Form, and Character Development Methods Form, developed by the researcher based on relevant literature, were utilized. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The findings of the study are presented in tables, including frequency and percentage calculations. The findings are supported by examples from the narrative texts written by 7th-grade students. It was determined that 141 out of 467 texts written by the students reflected the characteristics of the narrative genre. Among the characters in the students' narrative texts, 53.58% were identified as explicit characters, 46.42% as implicit characters, 28.50% as dynamic characters, and 71.50% as static characters. The development of characters was found to be achieved through their actions and behaviors (87.89%), the author's commentary (52.54%), dialogues (21.65%), comments by other characters (15.92%), and physical traits (11.14%).Based on the results obtained from the study, various recommendations were proposed.